Which Rouge River Sub-watershed Do You Live In?

Location of Rouge River Watershed in Michigan

Wayne, Washtenaw and Oakland County residents live in the Rouge River Watershed (and sometimes more than one!) Click on the area you live in above to see which sub-watershed you are in.

So why is this important to know? No matter where you are at any given time, you are in a watershed, and your actions directly impact the health of that watershed. Additionally, the health of that watershed impacts you, everyone around you, and even the communities downstream. When rain and snow/ice melt travel across the land (watershed) and through storm drains, it is called stormwater or runoff. As this runoff travels it picks up trash, contaminants, sediments and dissolved substances along the way until it discharges into the nearest water body. Small streams join to form rivers and flow across sloping land, eventually flowing into a lake. These bodies of water impacted by runoff provide recreational opportunities, habitat for wildlife, and even drinking water for communities. By keeping our cars from leaking, litter off the streets, and properly disposing of animal and chemical wastes we are being good stewards by protecting not only the health of our watershed but also ourselves and everything downstream.

Keep your eye out for road signs around town letting you know that you are in the Rouge River watershed! In the last few years the ARC has added or replaced 141 new signs to area roads (see map of new sign locations). If you see a road sign - let us know! The more people that know they live in a watershed the better! Your actions while in that watershed have an affect on water quality! Learn ways to protect it!

LOOK FOR THESE ROAD SIGNS TO KNOW YOU ARE IN THE ROUGE!

Watershed Resources

MICHIGAN WATERSHEDS
Review all of Michigan's watersheds
Wayne County watershed information
Oakland County watershed information
Michigan Lakes and Streams Association Watershed Information

ARC BROCHURES
Watershed Wisdom for Homeowners - Healthy Habits for Clean Water
Protect the Rouge River - Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease Properly Rouge Waterfront Wisdom - Healthy Habits for Clean Water Value of Trees Maintaining Your Detention Pond - A Guidebook for Private Owners in Southeast Michigan Rouge Growing Green - Naturalizing the Home Garden When it Comes to Household Chemicals - Change is a Good Thing! Watersheds and Water Quality

OTHER RESOURCES
USGS Water Science School
EPA Basic Information and Frequently Asked Watershed Questions
EPA How's My Waterway?
Michigan Water Stewardship Program (MWSP)
Statewide Public Advisory Council (SPAC)
SPAC Habitat Subcommittee

THINGS YOU CAN DO
Protect water quality in your watershed Proper use and disposal of chemicals Household Hazardous Waste Recognize illegal dumping & report it Learn about things you can do in your yard Incorporate Green Infrastructure Maintaining your septic system Best management practices for businesses