DWSD - Far West Detroit Stormwater Improvement Project

The Far West Detroit Stormwater Improvement Project is the largest project to date in the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s (DWSD) annual capital improvements program. This $42M investment includes the construction of a new drainage system designed to reduce street and basement flooding within a 1,300-home neighborhood located just west of the Rouge River. The project will improve river water quality by eliminating a combined sewer outfall while also treating the new stormwater discharge through use of natural stormwater channels and basins within Rouge Park. While work takes place on the storm sewer, the existing water and sewer systems within the neighborhood will be upgraded along with targeted replacements of lead water service piping. After sewer construction, Rouge Park will see a transformative improvement complete with new walking trails and increased community connections, integrated within the newly created stormwater features and restored native habitat.

This project is part of a regional collaboration between the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), DWSD, and the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner (WRC) working together across municipal and county boundaries on multiple projects to reduce sewer overflows into the Rouge River and protect public health.