Hydrology.  In 2002, at Shiawassee Road (US3) and Telegraph Road (U05), the mean streamflows were the lowest recorded since 1994 and were approximately 56 percent of the 1994 through 2001 average.  At the Upper stream gages Shiawassee Road (US3) and Telegraph  Road (U05) the mean streamflow during the 2000 monitoring period remained the highest recorded since 1994.  In the Upper since 1994, 2000 remained the wettest season on record and 2002 was the driest season on record. The precipitation total in 2002 was 66 percent of the long-term average precipitation total for 1994 through 2001. 

Water Quality.  Continuous DO and water temperature monitoring has been conducted on the Upper Rouge at Telegraph Road (U05) since 1994.  DO concentrations in the Upper have been poor since 1994 with the DO frequently dropping below the State water quality standard of 5 mg/L.  Trend analysis indicates a slight improvement in DO concentrations.  Since this location is downstream of still uncontrolled CSOs along the Bell Branch, improvements resulting from the Redford RTB may be somewhat negated at this location.  In 2002, 84 percent of the recorded DO values at Telegraph Road (U05) met the 5 mg/L State standard.    Continuous temperature monitoring did not exceed a maximum temperature of 29.4°C (85°F). 

E. coli.  E. coli bacteria levels have been poor in the Upper where a substantial percentage of measurements taken since 1994 have been above the State water quality standards for both total and partial body contact recreation.  Overall, concentrations of E. coli bacteria are improving, particularly during wet weather conditions along the main branch of the Upper Rouge.  Although bacteria levels are improving, most sampled locations are still not meeting State water quality standards for partial body contact recreation with the possible exception of Powers Rd. (U01) where in some months in 2000 and 2001 concentrations have dropped below the partial body contact standard of 1,000 cfu/100 ml.