# Remember that drain you adopted? It needs you this winter

> San Francisco residents must clear adopted storm drains before El Niño brings heavy winter rains.
- Title: Remember that drain you adopted? It needs you this winter
- Summary: San Francisco residents must clear adopted storm drains before El Niño brings heavy winter rains.
- Keywords: san francisco, storm drains, public utilities commission, winter storm, adopted drains, city hall, The San Francisco Standard
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/11/14/adopt-a-drain-san-francisco-winter
- Published: 2026-11-14T14:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: san francisco, storm drains, public utilities commission, winter storm, adopted drains, city hall, news, local
## Adopted drains need winter care
San Francisco residents who adopted storm drains must clear leaves and trash before winter storms.
## El Niño brings wetter winter
El Niño is strengthening, expected to bring wetter winter to california and southern states.
## Mayor declares emergency
Mayor Daniel Lurie declared citywide state of emergency in october for rainy season prep.
## Drain adoption program
San Francisco has let residents adopt drains since 2016 with nearly 8,000 claimed.
## Drain cleaning tips
Clean drains right before storms to prevent flooding and after rain to clear debris.
## Adopters get tools
Adopters receive email alerts and limited tools for cleaning drains.
## Drain abandonment
Many adopted drains are abandoned as people move or forget their civic duty.
## Key takeaway

San Francisco residents should clean their adopted storm drains ahead of El Niño to prevent flooding.