Local watersheds play an integral part in Oakland County’s water quality. Watersheds are an area of land that drains water into a specific waterbody. Every lake, river, stream, or other body of water in Oakland County drains into one of five watersheds: Clinton River, Flint River, Rouge River, Huron River, and the Shiawassee River. For local educational resources, watershed events, and opportunities to volunteer, please explore the websites for your local watershed council.

Don’t know your local watershed? Check out Oakland County’s Find My Watershed Map created by the Water Resources Commission.

Our actions directly impact the health of our local watersheds. Exploring how everyday tasks such as landscaping, fertilizing, and de-icing can be completed in a sustainable way can create positive change and protect our water ways.

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of the ideas below:

• Rain barrels
• Rain gardens and landscaping
• De-icing salt guidelines
• Fertilizing guidelines
• Proper medicine disposal
• Tips to reduce water use

Please explore the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner website. WRC provides services such as permitting, water quality monitoring, basement flood claims, a 24/7 pollution hotline, and more. They also have educational materials and resources on stormwater management, green infrastructure, maintaining clean drinking water, and more.