Do you live near a metal-grated storm drain that accumulates sticks and leaves after every rain? Or perhaps you have a drain in your back or side yard that becomes blocked with debris, causing possible flooding. If so, you can apply to "adopt" the drain and, in exchange for your care, you will receive free disposal of your yard waste.

Here's how it works:

• You let us know what drain you want to adopt.
• If the drain is a part of the public storm sewer system, is subject to debris accumulation and has not already been adopted, we will assign it to you.
• Participant will receive an annual $42.00 credit on their utility bill.
• Your obligation is to simply keep the debris off your adopted drain. Check it frequently, especially after storms.

The goal of this program is to keep the drains cleared on a regular basis so it is unlikely they will become blocked during heavy rains causing flooding.

Applicant's residence must be served by Iowa City solid waste collection crews. Limit one application per household. If you are interested in adopting a drain, fill out the Adopt-A-Drain Application and return it to:

City of Iowa City Engineering Division
Attn: Adopt-A-Drain
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

Questions may be emailed to Toni Davis or call 319-356-5140.

Examples of Drains

Adoptable Grated Drain

Self-Cleaning R.A. Drain - Not Adoptable

Alleys in Iowa City are not plowed or otherwise maintained by the City. Please see the alley maintenance policy.

When both weather and time permit, the City will grade existing rock in an alley at no charge to the adjacent property owners. If adjacent owners would like additional rock spread on their alley, they can do so by ordering and purchasing the rock, and City staff will deliver and grade at no additional charge. On average, a one-block alley takes 2-3 loads of rock, with each load weighing 8-10 tons. If a property owner(s) chooses to purchase rock to be spread on their alley, they will receive the rock at the City's cost per ton. Although the cost may fluctuate throughout the year, the current cost per ton is $10.00. Please take into consideration, the high end cost for a one block of alley would be 3 loads (30 tons) x $10.00 = $300.00.

If a property owner(s) decides that they would like to purchase rock to improve the condition of the alley adjacent to their home(s), please contact the Streets Division at 319-356-5181. After all arrangements have been made, the City will set up a time to spread the rock. The property owner will be invoiced directly for the cost of the rock after it has been spread.

It is important that storm sewers be kept clear so they can move stormwater away from streets and homes. If you notice a storm sewer clogged at the surface with brush or other debris, please contact the Streets Division at 319-356-5181.

If a storm sewer does not appear to have any debris blocking it at the surface and it is still not draining properly, there is most likely an issue below the surface. In this situation, please contact the Wastewater Division at 319-356-5170.

Residents who wish to take a proactive approach in helping to keep the City’s storm drains clear may choose to participate in the Adopt-a-drain program. This program enlists residents' help in keeping storm drains clear to prevent neighborhood flooding. Please keep in mind, all residents can help by properly disposing of their yard waste so that it will not get washed into storm sewers adjacent to their homes.

Due to the configuration of City snowplows, the guideline for lateral placement of a mailbox is 6 inches from the back edge of curb or pavement to the roadside face of the box. The bottom of the mailbox should be set at an elevation between 39 inches and 42 inches above the roadway surface. Per City Design Standards, the base of all mailboxes shall be a minimum of 18 inches from the edge of the pavement. Brick or other masonry support structures are not allowed.

Any object protruding into the above necessary clearance zones is subject to damage by the snowplow at the expense of the object's owner. The Streets Division will only make repairs to mailboxes damaged by City employees if the mailboxes were compliant with all City and Postal standards.

The Streets Division owns two street sweepers. Sweeping begins in the spring after danger of freezing conditions have passed. The sweeper starts on one side of the city and randomly sweeps across town. It takes a period of approximately 4-5 weeks to make a complete pass of the city, which now has 300 miles of streets, especially in the spring when lots of sand is on the streets from winter operations. After the initial pass the sweeping crew continues to work from one side of town to the other. There is not a set schedule for frequency of sweeping, except for the downtown area which is swept during University spring break. Residents are welcome to report unusual problem locations which may present a hazard to public safety and these areas will be checked out.

The downtown area is swept every Thursday evening into Friday morning during spring, summer, and fall seasons.