Sampling Locations & Results
In order to determine if the nonpoint source pollution from failing septic
systems degrade the water quality of the Rouge River, Oakland County Health
Division began a program that would:
Prioritize the tributaries in Southfield and Farmington Hills as to poor
water quality and concentrations of clusters of known septic system failures;
Dye test homes on higher prioritized tributaries which were identified
in step one in an effort to establish a rate of failure for septic systems
in the Rouge River watershed.
Oakland County Health Division had identified approximately 160 sewage
disposal system failures occurring since January 1990 along the headwaters
of the Rouge River, within the cities of Farmington Hills and Southfield.
Fecal coliform sampling was carried out at 46 sites. Over 90% of the samples
sites exceeded the standard limits for surface water quality. A total
of 65 houses were dye tested, with 52.3% testing positive (34 houses).
Dye Test Results
100 Branch - Mainstream, Rouge River
200 Branch - Evans Branch
300 Branch - Pebble Creek
400 Branch - Ravines Branch
500 Branch - Upper Rouge River
600 Branch - Minnow Pond Drain
700 Branch - Seeley Drain
800 Branch - Tarabusi Creek
Sampling Locations & Results
|
