Stormwater

When strolling the sidewalks of Ann Arbor's old west side, you may have noticed large square decals inviting you to scan a QR code to learn more about the historic Allen Creek. That waterway now runs underground, but that wasn't always the case. WEMU's John Stockwell decided to dig a little deeper, to uncover the story of Allen Creek.

Ann Arbor residents can now learn about the history of Allen Creek while going for a walk in town. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The Michigan Attorney General has filed a civil lawsuit against a Wixom-based automotive supplier for allegedly continuing to release harmful chemicals into the Huron River after multiple violations. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council Climate Resilience Strategist, Daniel Brown. They discuss the lawsuit and the ongoing impacts to the health of the Huron River.

You may have noticed there have been some changes in the nature of our weather. Climate change is cited as the reason for some notable changes in precipitation patterns in our corner of the world. What does that tell us about the near- and longer-term future in Washtenaw County? WEMU's David Fair discussed this with Dr. Drew Gronewold, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.

The Ann Arbor City Council Monday night approved increases in the local water, sewer and stormwater rates. The administration says the hikes are needed for infrastructure improvements. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The next proposed budget will be presented to the Ann Arbor City Council by the administration tonight. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Flooding in the West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township has been a problem and the search for solutions has been under study. A 500-year storm in 2023 caused damage to over 1,000 homes. Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of progress in addressing outdated water infrastructure, so Washtenaw County hired an engineering and consulting firm to look into solutions. WEMU's David Fair talked with Brandon Ellefson of Livonia-based OHM Advisors about what solutions the study has found.

A much-awaited road project is coming to Ann Arbor to make a major corridor more bike and pedestrian friendly. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Residential rain gardens may seem like a small component of environmental sustainability. We’re learning just how big of an impact they make in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. A brand new, interactive mapping tool shows where many of the residential rain gardens are and the amount of stormwater they collectively capture. Learn more in this conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Susan Bryan, the Rain Garden Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office.

Some areas of Washtenaw County received nearly five inches of rain in a short, three-hour period on Wednesday, August 23rd. The aftermath is still being assessed and addressed. In some areas, it could take months. Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss storm response and what was learned.