Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the City of Cambridge’s Storm Stewards program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on "What Does it Mean?" on the site. I acknowledge that participating in these events involves inherent risks, and I accept full responsibility for any associated liability and risk. By signing up, I confirm that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow the City of Cambridge to send me emails related to my chosen drains.

I understand that as a volunteer, I have control over the dates and times of my work. The City of Cambridge is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer activities or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I affirm that I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for my participation, and I have read, understood, and freely and willingly agreed to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

When adopting a storm drain, residents are encouraged to get creative with the names they choose. However, please note that the City reserves the right to review and approve all storm drain names to ensure they are appropriate for public display. Names that are deemed offensive, inappropriate, or do not align with the City's values or Storm Stewards program goals may be subject to change. The City will reach out to residents for an alternative name if needed.

I agree to release, waive, and forever discharge the City of Cambridge (“the City”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("the Commonwealth"), as well as their respective employees, departments, officers, and agents, from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, loss of services, expenses and compensation claims or demands arising from accidents, illnesses, injuries, losses, destruction, or property damage directly or indirectly resulting from my participation in this activity.

I further agree not to, whether by myself or in concert with others, pursue any judicial proceeding of any kind whatsoever against the City of Cambridge or the Commonwealth or their respective employees, departments, officers, and agents, for any injury, loss, or damage arising from or related to my participation in this activity, regardless of whether it is caused by negligence or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, employees, insurers, subrogees and all of my family members. It applies to all losses, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

This Waiver and Release contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and the terms of this release are contractual, not a mere recital.

Last updated March 18, 2024.

What is a Storm Stewards program? What does it mean to be a Storm Steward? A Storm Stewards program is a volunteer initiative that helps maintain the cleanliness and health of our local environment. Participants sign up to become Storm Stewards and volunteer to monitor drain (or drains!). They check on their drain before and after heavy rain, wind, or snow, and provide any necessary care. This program is particularly valuable because everything that goes down the drain ultimately ends up in the the Alewife Brook and Mystic River. By keeping the drains clear, we can also prevent street flooding and ensure unimpeded water flow.

So, what does it mean to be a Storm Steward? Storm drains are the grates you see on streets and roads, typically square-shaped and situated along the curb. Since asphalt and pavement cannot absorb water, rain and melting snow travel along the street and into these drains. Below the grates, a catch basin collects this water and debris, but it can fill up quickly and may not capture everything. It's important to note that water and anything in it, such as trash, does not undergo treatment or go to a wastewater plant. Instead, it empties into nearby water bodies.

Here are the instructions for cleaning your drain:

1. Exercise caution and be mindful of road traffic, watching out for cars, trucks, and bicycles. Work from the sidewalk as much as possible.
2. Remove any debris that directly blocks your storm drain and clear an area a few feet around the drain to prevent potential blockages. This may include leaves, sticks, snow, or trash.
3. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom to clear the drain, being cautious when handling debris.
4. Dispose of trash or recyclables appropriately in their respective bins. Organic materials like leaves and sticks can be disposed of with your yard waste. If you have any questions regarding proper disposal, refer to City of Cambridge curbside collection page.
5. Never try to remove the grate or reach inside the storm drain.
6. Remember to check your drain before and after significant weather events, such as rainfall or snowstorms.
7. If your drain lacks a label saying "No Dumping, Drains to River," and you'd like to help, please contact cung@cambridgema.gov.
8. If you notice any damage or have concerns about your drain, please report non-emergency issues through via Commonwealth Connect.
9. For any other questions about the program or stormwater in general, please contact cung@cambridgema.gov.

General Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for your dedication to the Storm Stewards program. Your safety and enjoyment are essential to us. As a volunteer, please follow these guidelines:

General Safety

1. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, sunscreen, and, if necessary, eye protection.
2. Exercise extra caution in wet or slippery conditions.
3. Report non-emergency issues through via Commonwealth Connect. Call 911 for emergencies.

Traffic Safety

1. Stay out of the street as much as possible and work from the sidewalk if feasible.
2. Wear a bright reflective work vest or bright-colored clothing.
3. Cross streets at signals or designated crosswalks, avoiding mid-block crossings.

Working Near Waterways

1. Always work with a partner near water.
2. Watch your footing on slopes and shorelines.
3. Never allow children to work on steep slopes or near shorelines without adult supervision.

Debris Removal

1. Wear gloves or use a rake or broom when clearing the drain, exercising caution when handling debris. Always sweep, rake, or shovel glass and avoid picking up sharp objects by hand.
2. Sort collected materials into appropriate garbage, recycling, yard waste, or compost bins.
3. Never touch hazardous or medical waste (including automotive fluids and hypodermic needles). Report such items via Commonwealth Connect.

Terms of Service

I am voluntarily participating in the City of Cambridge’s Storm Stewards program. I have read and agree to follow the Volunteer Guidelines, below and as you click on "What Does it Mean?" on the site. I acknowledge that participating in these events involves inherent risks, and I accept full responsibility for any associated liability and risk. By signing up, I confirm that I am 18 years of age or older.

By signing up, I agree to allow the City of Cambridge to send me emails related to my chosen drains.

I understand that as a volunteer, I have control over the dates and times of my work. The City of Cambridge is not responsible for scheduling my volunteer activities or monitoring my compliance with the guidelines. I affirm that I am not receiving any compensation or consideration for my participation, and I have read, understood, and freely and willingly agreed to the release and hold harmless provisions stated below.

When adopting a storm drain, residents are encouraged to get creative with the names they choose. However, please note that the City reserves the right to review and approve all storm drain names to ensure they are appropriate for public display. Names that are deemed offensive, inappropriate, or do not align with the City's values or Storm Stewards program goals may be subject to change. The City will reach out to residents for an alternative name if needed.

I agree to release, waive, and forever discharge the City of Cambridge (“the City”) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("the Commonwealth"), as well as their respective employees, departments, officers, and agents, from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, loss of services, expenses and compensation claims or demands arising from accidents, illnesses, injuries, losses, destruction, or property damage directly or indirectly resulting from my participation in this activity.

I further agree not to, whether by myself or in concert with others, pursue any judicial proceeding of any kind whatsoever against the City of Cambridge or the Commonwealth or their respective employees, departments, officers, and agents, for any injury, loss, or damage arising from or related to my participation in this activity, regardless of whether it is caused by negligence or otherwise.

This Waiver and Release is binding on my spouse, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, employees, insurers, subrogees and all of my family members. It applies to all losses, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, related to my participation in this activity.

This Waiver and Release contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and the terms of this release are contractual, not a mere recital.

Last updated March 18, 2024.