Department of Public Works
Water Shed
The term water shed describes an area of land that
drains down slope to the lowest point. The water
moves through a network of drainage pathways, both
underground and on the surface. Generally, these
pathways converge into streams and rivers, which
become progressively larger as the water moves on
downstream, eventually reaching the lake.
Chesterfield Township is a member of two watershed
groups; they are the Anchor Bay Water Shed Group and
the Clinton River Watershed. The purpose of these
groups is to oversee the quality of rivers and
streams that flow into the Anchor Bay (Lake St.
Clair) and into the Clinton River. Water quality of
Anchor Bay and the Clinton River is impacted by
salt, run-off from surface drainage (fertilizer,
animal feces, soap, etc.), illegal dumping, failing
septic systems, animals, lawn fertilization, and
overwatering of lawns, just to name a few. If we all
watch what we put in/on our ground, Lake St. Clair
and the Clinton River will be enjoyed for years to
come!
Protect Our Watershed
The environment should concern all of us as it is
our responsibility to keep it clean - after all,
this is where our drinking water comes from.
Clean, safe drinking water is a necessity to all
of us, and it takes all of us to protect it.
Prevent Contamination of Our Water!
Dispose of used chemicals properly. If you are not
sure how to handle a certain chemical, please
contact the Chesterfield Department of Public Works
at (586) 949-0400, ext. 3.
DO NOT dispose any chemicals into
storm sewer drains or into ditches. This will
greatly affect the quality of our drinking water and
the ecosystem.
Fertilizing
Our storm drains empty into our lakes and streams.
When fertilizing your lawn, make sure to follow the
directions on the bag. Over fertilization can allow
fertilizer to enter our lakes and streams, causing
algae to grow, algae uses up oxygen that fish need
to survive. If possible, use fertilizer that is low
in phosphorus and select a slow-release fertilizer
where at least half of the nitrogen is "water
insoluble." Also, sweep excess fertilizer off
concrete back onto your lawn.
A few helpful tips:
- Keeping your grass trimmed to a minimum of
three inches keeps your lawn fresh and looking
great!
- It is more helpful to the environment to
mulch your lawn instead of bagging
the
clippings!
Storm Drain Stenciling Program
 As
you drive through the community, you may notice a
symbol, similar to the one below, near your storm
drains. The Township is initiating a project to help
keep our lakes and drinking water safe from
pollution. Our storm drains ultimately drain into
the lakes, so any pollutants that are deposited into
the drains will eventually make its way out to the
lakes. As the Township does its part to keep our
lakes clean, our community should do its part by not
polluting our drains. If you have any questions,
please contact the Chesterfield Township Water
Department at (586) 949-0400 ext. 3.
If you would like to see current water shed
programs going on in Macomb County, please visit
their website at:
www.macombcountymi.gov/publicworks
IDEP@macombcountymi.gov
Southeast Michigan
Council of Governments
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