It's up to each of us to keep our waters clean...

That's the idea behind the Adopt-A-Waterway Program. The City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise encourages local businesses, civil and professional organizations, environmental groups, academic institutions, neighborhood groups, and other community-minded organizations to formally Adopt-A-Waterway for the purpose of protecting and improving water quality.

As an adopting organization, your group would be asked to participate in two cleanups a year and maintain your adopted waterway for a minimum of two years. A small commitment for your water quality! So find a nearby waterway and sign up today. Each adopting organization:

  • Must include a minimum of 6 people and have at least 1 adult (21 years or older)
  • Must adopt at least a 1/4 to 1/2 mile stretch of creek or stream. Larger reaches must be approved by staff.
  • Adopts a waterway for a period of at least 2 years
  • Agrees to cleanup their adopted waterway at least two times a year
  • Agrees to coordinate the group's activities with the City's Project coordinator.
  • Agrees to all safety requirements.

The City of Colorado Springs will recognize adopting groups by providing signage for the adopted waterway. The City also provides trash bags, trash pick up, safety vests (if needed), and other support necessary to adopting groups.

For more information, please contact Jerry Cordova at 719-385-5033 or by email at jerry.cordova@coloradosprings.gov

Download Adopt-A-Waterway Forms

If you would like to join our program please download and complete the following forms:

2019 Adopt-A-Waterway numbers:

  • Number of Events: 102
  • Volunteers: 3,321
  • Volunteer Dollar Value: $149,868
  • Lbs/tons removed: 65,730/ 32.87 tons