The Municipality of Princeton Announces Winners of the Adopt-a-Drain Naming Competition

Princeton, NJ: In August 2025, the Municipality launched a new “Adopt-a-drain” program asking residents to volunteer to “adopt” one of the more than 3,500 storm drains and keep it clear of debris. While the Municipality conducts routine street cleaning, resident stewardship of nearby storm drains helps ensure they remain clear and ready to handle heavy rainfall.

"Since we launched the program in August, we've seen tremendous community support and engagement, with more than 200 storm drains adopted and creatively named," said Mayor Mark Freda. "Each adopted drain helps reduce the risk of debris buildup and polluted stormwater entering our local waterways, while supporting broader efforts to manage stormwater and prevent localized flooding."

Currently, 251 storm drains have been adopted in neighborhoods across Princeton. One of the benefits of adoption is the opportunity to name a storm drain on the Municipality's Adopt-a-Drain map. To celebrate one year since the launch of the program, the Municipality announced the Adopt-a-Drain Naming Competition in July, inviting residents to vote online or at Community Night Out for their favorite storm drain names across five categories. The winning names were:

• Funny and Punny: “Insane in the Mem-Drain”

• Mythology, Mystery, and the Arts: “Lord of the Drains”

• Nature and Places: “The Happy Drain of Dodds Lane”

• People and Music: “Purple Drain”

• Other, Creative: “November Drain”

“We’re grateful to the residents who have taken the time to provide a service for the community. It really does make a difference,” said Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure and Operations, Deanna Stockton. “Keeping storm drains clear helps prevent blockages before they become

There are still many storm drains in need of adoption. If you are interested in adopting your local drain, you can sign up for the program and name your storm drain on the Adopt a Drain webpage: https://www.princetonnj.gov/1694/Adopt-a-Drain. New participants receive a welcome kit to safely dispose of drain debris.

The Municipality would like to thank everyone who has participated in this program!