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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

Friends of the Rouge

The Rouge River Project

Huron River Watershed Council

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Watershed Home Page

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Rouge River Watershed

Mailing Lists

Water Quality Management
This Mailing List receives various education materials for Water Quality Management.

Click here to subscribe.

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.

Top of PageKids proudly showing fish that were caught during Rouge Day 2008.

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.

Top of Page 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

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Northville Township
44405 Six Mile Rd.
Northville, MI. 48168
(248) 348-5800
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