What is Downstream Designs?
This unique and educational program utilizes art to communicate the function and importance of storm drains and storm water pollution prevention. Three artists were selected along with a group of youth participants to paint vibrant educational storm drain murals that will create awareness and engage community members with a take home message about watershed pollution and their role in prevention. The purpose of downstream designs is to draw attention to the usually discreet concrete and iron infrastructure with the hope that observers stop and think about where the water flows after it enters a storm drain. If residents understand that stormwater flows untreated into our urban creeks, streams, and finally into Humboldt Bay they will be more conscious of potential pollutants that can enter those waterways and, in turn, change their behavior too.