Bangor Area Storm Water Group - BASWG

10/22/2026

Our newly redesigned Get Involved page is up and running! If you’re interested in helping protect local waterways, there are opportunities to get involved right here in the Greater Bangor area.

Take a look at the updated page to learn more about volunteering: https://baswg.org/get-involved

10/16/2026

Your yard doesn’t need to be spotless in the fall.

In fact, leaving some leaves where they fall can be good for your lawn and the critters that use it. They break down into natural mulch, return nutrients to the soil, and provide shelter for pollinators and other wildlife through the winter.

So before you rake the whole yard clean, consider leaving some of those leaves alone. Sometimes the best lawn care is doing a little less.

Find more fall lawn tips at https://baswg.org/resources

10/13/2026

Seen one of our Outfall SignSearch signs lately? You can view the locations here: https://baswg.org/outfall-signsearch/

We’ve got 40 signs posted around Bangor, Eddington, Orono, Old Town, Veazie, Bradley, Hampden, and Milford. So there’s a decent chance you’ve walked past one without even realizing it.

Next time you spot one scan the QR code, fill out the form, and grab a selfie with it! We want to see how many you can find.

10/09/2026

Got a cardboard box? Old toilet paper rolls? A little imagination?

This Halloween, give those leftover materials a second life and turn them into some decorations. It’s a fun way to get creative, cut down on waste, and give your house a fun, and maybe spooky feel.

10/06/2026

Autumn is here! Grab your coat, your phone and maybe even your camera and take a stroll through Greater Bangor and join BASWG’s Outfall SignSearch. Enjoy fall foliage while trying to spot one (or more) of the 40 emoji signs. When you find one, scan the QR code, snap a selfie, and help keep our waterways clean this fall.

Learn more: https://baswg.org/outfall-signsearch

The Bangor Area Stormwater Group (BASWG) invites you to explore how stormwater (e.g., rain or snowmelt) flows across the land, picks up pollutants, and

10/01/2026

Fall composting tip!

When composting leaves, shred them before adding them to the compost pile, which will help move the process along.

09/28/2026

Ever wonder what those grates along the street are actually for?

They’re storm drains, and they have a pretty important job: helping move rainwater and runoff off the streets and into the drainage system.

And with fall leaves starting to hit the ground, they’re about to get a workout.

So when you’re raking this fall, keep the leaves, branches and other yard debris out of the street and away from the drains. Your neighborhood will be better off for it.

And now you know what that grate you’ve been driving over for years actually does.

Learn more things here:
🌐https://baswg.org/

09/25/2026

Leaves are starting to fall, which means it’s a good time to clear your gutters as well as check on the storm drains near you.

Leaves and other debris can collect around storm drains and prevent water from flowing properly. Clearing them away can help keep stormwater moving and reduce the amount of debris that washes into local waterways.

Keeping storm drains clear can help prevent problems in your lawn or road when heavy rain arrives.

🌐 https://youtu.be/Dht4nVlHGcU

Prevent leaves from entering storm drains this fall! 🍂

09/22/2026

We have an autumn activity for you!

The first day of autumn is a great excuse to get outside, take a walk and do a little exploring. Keep an eye out for our Outfall SignSearch signs along the way and see how many you can spot. Find a list of signs here: https://baswg.org/outfall-signsearch/

Grab a friend, take the dog, or just enjoy a fall walk and make a game of it. You never know what you might find along the way.

Happy first day of fall! 🍁

The Bangor Area Stormwater Group (BASWG) invites you to explore how stormwater (e.g., rain or snowmelt) flows across the land, picks up pollutants, and

09/17/2026

Myth: “If it's biodegradable, it's safe to wash down the storm drain.”

BUSTED. Biodegradable doesn't automatically mean waterway-friendly. Soaps, detergents and other products can still carry chemicals and nutrients into stormwater and, eventually, our local waterways.

Just because something breaks down eventually doesn't mean it belongs down the drain.