Kalispell is seeking volunteers for a program aimed at protecting local waterways by preventing debris from entering the city's stormwater system.  

When rain and snow descend on Kalispell, it can't soak into the ground the way it would on a forest floor. Instead, it flows across roads and parking lots and into the city's storm drains. Along the way, it can pick up pollutants like litter, pet waste and leaves before being discharged into local rivers and streams that eventually meander into Flathead Lake.  

Kalispell's stormwater receives minimal treatment before leaving the city. Hydrodynamic separators help extract sediment and floating debris, but they only treat some of the stormwater and their limited capacity means there is a risk that the system gets backed up, according to Public Works Environmental Coordinator Margartie Thomas.  

That's why City Hall is seeking volunteers to help keep storm drains clear by sweeping around them. Removing debris before it enters the stormwater system helps improve water quality and prevent flooding.  

Called the Adopt-A-Drain program, volunteers can sign up to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood. This means agreeing to sweep a 10-foot radius around the drain about once a week and before expected heavy rainfall. After clearing the area, volunteers are asked to report the status and condition of the drain. The city provides a reflective vest, gloves and trash bags for the task.  

Out of the city's 2,150 storm drains, only about 70 have been adopted so far, according to Thomas.  

Kalispell is running the program in partnership with nonprofit Flathead Lakers and the Western Montana Conservation Commission. Adopt-A-Drain is a national initiative that Kalispell joined several years ago as a requirement under its stormwater permit, according to Thomas.  

Thomas said she's often asked why city staff don't clear all the storm drains themselves. While the city maintains the system, it can't look after every drain all the time, she said.  

"It is shared infrastructure. So, if we can work together to keep an eye on it, it will last longer," she said.  

Flathead Lakers and Kalispell hosted two training sessions in September for participants, but those still looking to join can get up to speed with an online training video. Volunteers can adopt one or more drains. 

To learn more about adopting a drain, visit https://tinyurl.com/439zz4n8.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.