Storm Drain Mural Project

Catfish Blues_web

Catish Blues

by Emily Cotton Cram

Treasures of Iowa_web

Treasures of Iowa

by Leah Stead

02 Critters by David Barba_web

Critters

by David Barba

Keeping the Environment Clean_web

Keeping the Environment Clean

by David Leick

Clean Water Happy Otter_web

Clean Water Happy Otter

by Emily Cotton Cram

About The Project

The Storm Drain Mural Project project is part of the City’s education and outreach efforts to help community members understand that storm drains lead directly to our waterways. The goal of the murals is to raise awareness of storm drains as a connection to our local waterways. 

When designing artwork, artists were encouraged to consider the following themes:

  • Stormwater Pollution: Only rain down the storm drain.
  • Environmental Protection: The importance of clean water.
  • Local Ecosystems: Wildlife habitats and natural beauty.

Why Paint Storm Drains?

When it rains, stormwater runs over pavement, picking up oil, litter, leaves, grass clippings, and other pollutants. The polluted stormwater then flows down storm drains and through stormwater pipes which empty directly into our local creeks, streams, and rivers. Storm drains can also become a hot spot for illicit dumping – trash, grease, pet waste, paint, cigarettes, and more. As a result, these pollutants make their way to the Catfish Creek and Bee Branch Creek and, ultimately, the Mississippi River, impairing the health of our waterways.

Photo Gallery and Bike Tour

Check out this photo gallery of the storm drain murals including an 8-mile bike tour that begins and ends at the Bee Branch Creek Greenway!

Questions?

For questions or for more information, contact Bee Branch Project communications specialist Kristin Hill at khill@cityofdubuque.org or call 563.690.6068. 

Paint Iowa
In 2019 and 2020, the City was awarded gallons of Diamond Vogel paint for the Storm Drain Mural Project through Paint Iowa Beautiful, a program that provides free paint to a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. During the partnership between Keep Iowa Beautiful and Diamond Vogel Paint, over 11,330 gallons of paint and hundreds of local volunteers have helped 990 community projects in Iowa.

Special thanks to Key City Creative Center for their generous in-kind support.