A newly completed stormwater system on Detroit’s west side will reduce the risk of weather-related basement backups for approximately 1,200 homes while strengthening the neighborhood’s ability to withstand heavier rainstorms.

Mayor Mary Sheffield, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) leadership and community members celebrated the completion of the $40.4 million Far West Detroit Stormwater Improvement Project on Thursday. The project is DWSD’s largest green stormwater infrastructure investment to date.

The new system will keep an estimated 119 million gallons of stormwater out of Detroit’s combined sewer system each year—the equivalent of more than 171 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Creating that additional capacity will reduce pressure on neighborhood sewer pipes during major storms, when residents face the greatest risk of basement flooding.

“This $40 million project is another major example of how the City of Detroit is investing in neighborhood infrastructure to address challenges residents have complained about for years,” Mayor Sheffield said. “Thanks to this investment and DWSD’s leadership, 1,200 homeowners in this area won’t have to worry their basement is going to flood the next time we have a major rainstorm. That means peace of mind, but this investment also will mean higher home values.”

How the new system works

The project created a new storm sewer network that collects rainwater from approximately 213 acres of the Far West neighborhood and directs it into two new detention basins in Rouge Park.

Instead of immediately entering the combined sewer system, the stormwater is temporarily stored in the basins near Warren Avenue and Outer Drive. There, the water slows down and is naturally filtered before flowing into the Rouge River through a new stormwater outfall.

Keeping rainwater out of the combined sewer system creates more room in underground pipes for wastewater, reducing the likelihood that the system will become overwhelmed during intense storms. The project also reduces combined sewer overflows and improves water quality in the Rouge River.

“Every gallon of stormwater we can keep out of the combined sewer system creates additional capacity in our pipes and reduces the risk of basement backups for our customers,” DWSD Deputy Director Sam Smalley said. “Green infrastructure also provides environmental and neighborhood benefits that traditional grey infrastructure simply cannot deliver.”

Neighborhood infrastructure improved above and below ground

In addition to the stormwater basins and drainage system, the project included extensive improvements to aging water and sewer infrastructure throughout the neighborhood:

• More than 24,000 linear feet of new storm sewer installed
• Two stormwater detention basins constructed in Rouge Park
• A new stormwater outfall built along the Rouge River
• Downspouts disconnected at 400 homes
• More than 14,500 linear feet of water main replaced
• More than 15,700 linear feet of sanitary sewer rehabilitated through sewer lining
• 41 targeted sanitary sewer repairs completed

Construction began in 2022 following years of planning and engagement with neighborhood residents, the Far West Civic Association, Friends of Rouge Park and other community stakeholders. Although construction was originally expected to take five years, the project was completed in four.

“This project delivers immediate benefits for residents in this neighborhood, which has historically experienced significant flooding,” DWSD Director Gary Brown said. “It represents a more resilient sewerage system and demonstrates DWSD’s commitment to investing in sustainable, long-term solutions to reduce flooding.”

The regional project also received significant funding from the Oakland County Water Resources Commission because reducing stormwater in Detroit’s combined sewer system benefits the Evergreen-Farmington Sanitary Drain Drainage District.

The Far West project is part of DWSD’s broader strategy to prepare Detroit neighborhoods for heavier and more frequent rain events. Since 2019, the department has increased its annual capital investment from approximately $100 million to more than $220 million while using grants and regional partnerships to accelerate infrastructure improvements.