• Project to keep more than 100 million gallons of stormwater annually out of the combined sewer system on the City's westside
• 1,200 nearby homes will be more resilient to weather-related basement flooding
• New storm sewer network and two new detention basins inside Rouge Park will filter and slow down water before discharging to the Rouge River through a new stormwater outfall
• Five-year project constructed ahead of schedule

Mayor Sheffield, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) Director Gary Brown and Deputy Director Sam Smalley and community leaders today celebrated the completion of the Far West Detroit Stormwater Improvement Project, DWSD’s largest green stormwater infrastructure project to date.

The $40.4 million investment transforms how stormwater is managed in Detroit’s Far West neighborhood by capturing, slowing, and naturally filtering rainwater before it enters the Rouge River. The project will manage more than 119 million gallons of stormwater each year – enough to fill more than 171 Olympic sized swimming pools – helping increase capacity in the local and regional combined sewer system while lowering the risk of basement backups for approximately 1,200 nearby homes. The project also reduces combined sewer overflows to the Rouge River.

Construction began in 2022 following years of planning and extensive community engagement with residents, the Far West Civic Association, Friends of Rouge Park, and other stakeholders. Originally planned as a five-year project, construction was completed ahead of schedule in just four years.

"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,” said Mayor Sheffield. “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.”

Project Details

The project includes a new storm sewer network that redirects stormwater from approximately 213 acres of surrounding neighborhood into two newly constructed stormwater basins within Rouge Park. Together, the basins temporarily store runoff, allowing it to slow down and be naturally filtered before being discharged to the Rouge River through a new stormwater outfall rather than entering the combined sewer system.

In addition to the green stormwater infrastructure to help reduce flooding, the project included substantial improvements to Detroit's underground water and sewer infrastructure, including:

• Installation of more than 24,000 linear feet of new storm sewer
• Construction of two new stormwater basins in Rouge Park near Warren and Outer Drive
• Construction of a new stormwater outfall at the Rouge River
• Downspout disconnection for 400 homes
• Replacement of more than 14,500 linear feet of water main
• Rehabilitation of more than 15,700 linear feet of sanitary sewer through sewer lining
• Completion of 41 sanitary sewer point repairs

Stormwater basin at Parkland and Warren constructed as part of the DWSD Far West Stormwater Improvement Project

The Far West Stormwater Improvement Project is part of DWSD's long-term strategy to reduce the amount of stormwater entering Detroit's combined sewer system through innovative green stormwater infrastructure. By keeping rainwater out of the combined sewer system whenever possible, these projects help reduce basement backup risks, improve water quality in local waterways, and strengthen Detroit's infrastructure as rainstorms become more frequent and intense.

“Today is a major milestone for our department and the residents of the Far West neighborhood,” said DWSD Director Gary Brown, “This project represents a more resilient sewerage system and demonstrates DWSD’s commitment to investing in sustainable, long-term solutions to reduce flooding. This project delivers immediate benefits for residents in this neighborhood which has historically experienced significant flooding. Since 2019, DWSD has increased its annual capital investment from approximately $100 million to more than $220 million, while also leveraging grants and regional partnerships to accelerate critical infrastructure improvements.”

Aerial view of the stormwater outfall at the Rouge River near Outer Drive and Warren, conveying stormwater from the Far West neighborhood to the river

A regional effort, led by DWSD, significant funding has been secured from the Oakland County Water Resources Commission as the project also benefits the Evergreen-Farmington Sanitary Drain Drainage District by reducing flow within the combined sewer system.

“Large-scale green stormwater infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to prepare our city for heavier and more frequent rain events," said DWSD Deputy Director Sam Smalley. "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. Green infrastructure also provides environmental and neighborhood benefits that traditional grey infrastructure simply cannot deliver.” said DWSD’s Deputy Director Sam Smalley.

Stormwater pipe installation in 2024