They say the rain is coming, big time. Rockridge residents can help the neighborhood prepare by joining the city’s Adopt-A-Drain program. When neighborhood volunteers clear leaves, litter, and other debris from storm drain inlets, this helps rainwater flow and reduces the risk of localized flooding.
Keeping drains clear helps protect water quality, too. Oakland’s storm drains lead directly to local creeks, Lake Merritt, and San Francisco Bay—making neighborhood participation a vital step in keeping waterways clean.
Hundreds of volunteers already participate in the program, supporting Oakland Public Works in maintaining more than 13,000 storm drains. Registered volunteers receive city rain alerts and become eligible to borrow tools and supplies to help with their work.
Sign Up to Adopt-A-Drain
Getting started is straightforward: Visit the city’s Adopt-A-Drain webpage, identify a drain near home or work, and complete the online application. The page also includes a map of priority drains in areas with a history of flooding, helping volunteers find locations where their efforts are especially needed.
Residents can participate individually or encourage neighbors, friends, and family to join them—a small, ongoing commitment can support cleaner streets and better storm drainage throughout the rainy season.
To sign up, or learn more, visit Oakland’s Adopt-A-Drain. For Program information, email Oakland Public Works at: adoptaspot@oaklandca.gov; or call (510) 238-7630.
