Watersheds
The term "watershed" 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!
We Would Love Your Feedback!
Please take a moment to take our storm water survey. The survey will help us get your feedback on how we can minimize our impact on our waterways that eventually lead to Lake St. Clair.
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. Visit Clinton River Watershed Council's website for information on how to lesson our impact on our waterways. Riparian (wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams) information is also available on their site!
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, extension 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.
Riparian Education
We have many residents who live along a river, stream, drain, or Lake St. Clair. The interface between land and water (known as the riparian zone) serves a multitude of essential functions such as:
- Maintaining stream flows
- Cycling nutrients
- Filtering chemicals and other pollutants from runoff
- Trapping and redistributing sediments
- Absorbing and detaining floodwaters
- Maintaining fish and wildlife habitats, and
- Supporting the food chain for a wide range of organisms
For information on how you can help keep our water clean, visit the Water Resource Commissioner's website.
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 extension 3.
If you would like to see current water shed programs going on in Macomb County, please visit their website.