“Big P destroyer. Small P destroyer. Average P destroyer. This trifecta of heroes, risen from obscurity, now endeavors to save the world…” Clarissa’s face is lit only by a dim flashlight, positioned dramatically below her chin.

“Just put the fries in the bag,” groans Jimmy. “This sleepover was supposed to be fun! Can’t you just tell me what happens?”

“Well, long story short, the three P (short for phosphorus) destroyers are actually the storm drains the Envirothon team just adopted through Lexington’s Adopt-a-Drain program. In fact, I’ll be driving by LHS and the Cary library to check on them tomorrow morning!” Clarissa replies.

“Adopted? Like a pet?” Jimmy’s eyebrows draw up in bewilderment. “What could these storm drains possibly need your care for?”

“Well, we check up on our drains each week and sweep around them to keep them clean. Not only does this help us reduce nonpoint source pollution from things like leaf litter, trash, and road salt entering our drains throughout Lexington, but it’s also a way to encourage students and residents to get involved,” Clarissa explains. “While our town’s Department of Public Works oversees our stormwater infrastructure, it’s hard for them to keep every single drain throughout Lexington clean before a storm. Thus, if the effort is divided between a greater number of people, we can more effectively prevent our storm drains from becoming clogged and overloaded!”

“Hmm, that actually does sound kind of cool. It sounds like it could be a simple gesture that can add up to a big impact if we spread the word!” Jimmy pulls out his phone and pores over the website. “Maybe I’ll adopt the drain outside my house.”

“I’m sure you can! Only a handful of drains have been adopted in our town so far, so we’re hoping to get more people involved,” Clarissa replies hopefully.

“I’d be happy to join the movement,” Jimmy replies. “Maybe I’ll name mine little N (short for nitrogen) destroyer…”