Prevent Pollution
Some of the things we can do to help prevent pollution
in the Rouge River include:
• Lawn Care - Keep fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
off paved surfaces and out of drainage paths. When
choosing a fertilizer, select a slow-release formula.
Fertilize in September or October to promote root growth
rather than top growth.
• Automobile Maintenance - Direct polluted wash water away
from streets and storm drains. Instead of washing your car
in the driveway or street, wash your car on your lawn or
better - go to a car wash.
• Animal Waste - Clean up animal waste before it washes
into the storm drain. You can throw it in the trash or
flush it down the toilet, preventing bacteria from
entering the Rouge.
• Home Care - Disconnect downspouts from sewer systems and
direct them to vegetated areas away from building
foundations. When cleaning up spills and leaks do not use
your hose as a broom.
• Toxic Materials - Properly dispose of household
hazardous waste and call your local community to find out
if they have a collection day. An even better solution is
to use non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
• Get Involved - Citizens can also join Friends of the
Rouge and/or participate in Rouge River Watch, storm drain
stenciling, or other Rouge Friendly Neighborhood
activities. Call Friends of the Rouge at (313) 792-9900
for information.
These voluntary actions will prevent pollutants from
entering the Rouge River. Making these small changes in
individual and household behaviors will make a big
improvement in the water quality of the Rouge.
For More Information
Friends of the Rouge
Cyndi Ross
(313) 792-9900
4901 Evergreen
Dearborn MI 48128
Rouge River Project
Kelly Cave
Rouge River Project Director
(734) 326-3936
Watershed Related Links
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Rouge River Watershed
Mailing Lists
Water Quality Management
This Mailing List receives
various education materials for Water Quality Management.
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Catch Basins
Septic System Maintenance
Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels
Storm Water Management
Maps
Catch Basins
Catch basins – what are they? Catch basins serve to remove rain
water from streets and yards and are part of the storm sewer system
which transports water directly to our local creeks and rivers. This
year Northville Township would like to assist you girl scout or boy
scout troop earn their badges! By participating in a decaling project
you will be promoting environmental stewardship.
If you have a group that would like to learn more and participate
in a decal project – contact Jill Rickard at (248) 348-5820.
 
Septic System Maintenance
Human waste can be transported to the Johnson Creek and Rouge River
from failing or unmaintained septic systems. This is a PUBLIC HEALTH
and SAFETY ISSUE. Failure of residents to properly maintain and
correct their systems may result in the extension of sanitary sewers.
Please contact the Health Department to have an inspection of your
septic field performed. Identifying and correcting these items now may
save you thousands later. (Health Department’s phone number is: (734)
727-7448)
Signs of a Failing Septic System
- Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation on or near
the drain field.
- Plumbing or septic tank backups.
- Slow-draining fixtures.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
If you are new to the Township and need more information
on septic system maintenance, contact the engineer.
Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels
Recent work by the ARC has identified that small rain events have
more of an impact on our local water ways than previously thought. The
County has strict standards for new developments for large rain
events. However, the new findings indicate that more is needed at a
resident level to assist in the smaller rain events. This may be
accomplished by Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels that provide collection
and storage of rain water in the smaller rain events. This water can
be utilized to water gardens (rain barrel) or provides necessary
infiltration (rain gardens). The Township encourages our residents to
consider these options in their landscaping choices. More information
can be found at the following link provided by Washtenaw County. If
nothing else - plant more TREES in your yard!
Read more about Rain Gardens on the eWashtenaw website.
Alternate Ideas to Address Storm Water Management
Engineers have long looked into separate sewers,
detention/retention facilities etc. What we are realizing,
specifically in the Rouge, is that we still have stream/river
flashiness (large volume and high velocity waters) that erode the
banks of the streams/rivers. This is a topic the ARC technical
committee has been reviewing for our area. We encourage the use of
rain barrels, planting of trees, rain gardens, etc. If you are a
Northville Township resident - we would be very interested in any
activity you undertake on your property to 'green' our area. Please
contact, Jill Rickard, at 248-662-0497 if you have a project to share.
It would be our goal to track through our GIS improvements to water
quality our residents undertake.
Read more about Storm
Water Management by clicking here.
Maps
Rouge River Watershed
Map
Sub Watersheds Map
Contact the Township Webmaster by
clicking here.
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click here.
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