Green Stormwater Infrastructure News and Events

Project to keep about 100 million gallons of stormwater annually out of the combined sewer system on the city’s westside, reducing basement backups. Two new detention basins and green paths inside Rouge Park. Lead service line replacement and downspout disconnection included as part of the project

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department broke ground on the construction of a $40 million project to redirect rainwater and snowmelt from a far-westside neighborhood. At Rouge Park, two new detention basins will be implemented to filter stormwater and discharge it into the Rouge River. The project will divert millions of gallons of stormwater runoff and snowmelt annually, redirecting will allow Detroit to be a more climate-resilient city.

DWSD will be making a significant investment in the Far West Detroit neighborhood to remove rain and snow melt from the combined system and reduce CSO discharge. This will entail a multi-year construction project, which will be implemented in phases for minimal disruption to the neighborhood. Construction began in May 2022.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is transforming a portion of Oakman Boulevard with Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to manage 37 million gallons of stormwater annually, reduce street flooding and basement backups.

The 2022 Forum features a conversation on biodiversity, environmental justice, and design. Michigan Mellon Design Fellow Torri Smith presents Equitable Landscapes which explores ways to address systemic and structural racism through natural design.

The Green Task Force advises Detroit City Council on sustainable principles and practices to better serve the City of Detroit. Community and committee meetings are held on 4th Mondays, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays, 4th Wednesdays, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays.

Work continues on the Rouge Park stormwater retention project in Detroit. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is constructing a $40 million project to redirect rainwater and snowmelt from a far-westside neighborhood. Two new detention basins will be implemented to filter stormwater and discharge it into the Rouge River. The project will divert millions of gallons of stormwater runoff and snowmelt annually, redirecting will allow Detroit to be a more climate-resilient city. The project, including water mains and lead service-line replacements, is expected to be completed in 2027.

Founded in 1986, Friends of the Rouge is dedicated to improving the Rouge watershed through hands-on restoration, stewardship and education. One of the larger projects the group is working on is Rain Gardens to the Rescue which provides rain gardens and other forms of green infrastructure that help with stormwater runoff.

Founded in 1986, Friends of the Rouge is dedicated to improving the Rouge watershed through hands-on restoration, stewardship and education. One of the larger projects the group is working on is Rain Gardens to the Rescue which provides rain gardens and other forms of green infrastructure that help with stormwater runoff.

DWSD Spokesman Brian Peckinpaugh says DWSD is designing relief sewers and green stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding.

Incorporating Green Stormwater Infrastructure in the Redevelopment Footprint of the Eastern Market District

To support the vision for Greater Corktown, the City of Detroit has identified Critical Community Improvements and additional projects that will enhance public spaces, create safer and more accessible streets, increase resident access to services and community supports, and position Corktown to become one of the City’s most sustainable and resilient neighborhoods -- integrating green infrastructure and developing active landscapes within all proposed critical community improvements