The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) invites the public to the Bath Community Storm Drain Stenciling Blitz on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. Teams of 2 to 5 members can register up to the event day to stencil storm drains with the message "Keep it Clean, Drains to River" throughout downtown Bath. Participants can meet at Bath's Waterfront Park at the covered picnic area for equipment and training before heading out to paint. This volunteer activity is perfect for families, neighborhood groups, scout troops, service clubs, and local businesses to promote a cleaner city and unpolluted waterways.

Storm drain stenciling is a nationally used and fun community-building activity. By painting the friendly "keep it clean" message near storm drains, it serves as a reminder to residents and visitors that what goes down the city's storm drains can end up in the Kennebec River.

Water collected in the storm drain systems, unlike the sanitary wastewater from our homes, is not treated. It is discharged into nearby waterways along with any pollutants it carries. Pollutants like antifreeze, lawn fertilizer, road salt, motor oil, pet waste, cigarette butts, and litter tossed or picked up by rain or snow melt can be carried down a storm drain and end up in the Kennebec River or one of its tributaries. By stenciling storm drains, participants can remind the community of the inseparable link between Bath's landscape- whether a lawn, parking lot, city street, or sidewalk- and our neighboring river.

Team registration packets and additional information about stenciling can be found at www.kennebecestuary.org/storm-drain-stenciling or at the KELT office (92 Front Street, Bath). Completed team packets and questions can be directed to Becky Kolak at bkolak@kennebecestuary.org or 207-442-8400. Waterfront Park is located on Commercial Street in downtown Bath. The Davenport Trust Fund and Merrymeeting Bay Trust generously supported the stenciling project.