Lower 1 Subwatershed Home Page

The Lower One Subwatershed is located in the southwestern part of the Rouge River Watershed in Southeastern Michigan. This Subwatershed touches all or part of six different communities (Canton Township, Plymouth Township, Salem Township, Superior Township, Van Buren Township, and Ypsilanti Township) and two counties (Washtenaw and Wayne Counties). Compared to the more developed eastern downstream areas of the Rouge, the Lower One has some of the last remaining rural and natural areas in the watershed and, subsequently, some of the best water quality in its creeks and streams. Driving down a dirt road in Superior Township can offer sights of undisturbed wetlands, pasture and farmland, and woodlots used for hunting and hiking. The Lower One Subwatershed also offers urban settings such as those of Canton Township, with mostly residential and commercial development that has boomed since the 1980's.

Since the Lower One Subwatershed is in the headwaters of the Rouge - where the river begins in creeks and streams - it is crucial that the remaining natural areas in this Subwatershed are protected to the extent possible. Although development in the area is inevitable, these communities are learning about ways to accommodate this new growth with natural resources in mind.

All of the rainwater that falls on the diverse landscape of the Lower One Subwatershed flows over the land, into storm sewers, or through groundwater down to the Lower Branch of the Rouge River that flows in a southeasterly path toward the Main Branch in the City of Dearborn. The water of several headwater creeks, tributaries and county drains flows into the Lower Rouge River, contributing to the volume and velocity of the water and certain pollutants that the water has picked up along its path.

When the water of the Lower Branch flows out of Canton Township, it has left the Lower One Subwatershed. The Lower Rouge River then travels through the urbanized Cities of Wayne and Inkster, joins with the Main Branch in the City of Dearborn, and then continues to the Detroit River and finally into Lake Erie. The River that flows through the Lower One Subwatershed is a precious resource to be protected, preserved and restored.

Stone Flies Show the Rouge is Improving
Read an article documenting the return of the Stone Fly to the Rouge River and Lower One Subwatershed. The presence of the stone fly is an indicator of improved water quality in the river.

The Lower 1 Subwatershed Group has developed a watershed management plan in accordance with the requirements of the Michigan General Storm Water Permit. For questions or further information contact Kelly Kelly at kkelly@tiltoninc.com.

A Common Appendix has been developed for the subwatershed management plans. This includes detailed technical data, maps, and information best management practices for each of the seven subwatersheds.

Communities are currently working on their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (SWPPI). Click here for guidance materials on developing the SWPPI.

Click here to learn more about your subwatershed

West Nile Virus Information

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Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.