Water Education

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With more than 1,400 lakes and countless tributary streams and rivers that flow throughout Oakland County, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's (WRC) Environmental Team is committed to sharing resources and providing education to waterfront property owners and others on how to protect water quality at their own back door and beyond.

For a comprehensive look on best practices to help keep our water clean, please view our popular publication:

Learn more about water education and our programs by visiting the pages to the left. and the content below.

Minimize Water Runoff

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

Given that the number one source of water pollution today comes from stormwater runoff that enters our lakes and streams without prior treatment, waterfront property owners have a special responsibility to protect our water resources. They are at the frontline of preventing pollution from property directly adjacent to our waterways. Although all human activities in a watershed can affect the water quality of our lakes and streams, activities adjacent to riparian zones are most critical.

With the help of a federal grant through the Rouge River Wet Weather Demonstration Project, the WRC Environmental Team produced a series of informational booklets and pamphlets for waterfront property owners. They outline a variety of actions to protect water quality and wildlife, as well as property values and the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Oakland County.

They can be viewed below or contact us if you would like a hard copy of any of these materials. By following Healthy Habits for Clean Water, you will learn how to minimize stormwater runoff from your property. You'll also learn how to minimize pollutants from leaving your property and entering the water.

Waterfront Wisdom: Healthy Habits for Clean Water - This booklet provides a comprehensive look at the seven Healthy Habits for Clean Water. Individual pamphlets have also been developed on each Healthy Habit.

Stormwater Management
Native Plants and Riparian Buffers
Rain Barrels

Healthy Lawns and Gardens

Earth-Friendly Lawn and Garden Care Tips
Pest Control

Naturalized Shorelines & Streambank Buffers

Native Plant Purchasing Information
Shoreland Management/Riparian Buffer Information
Building a Naturalized Shoreline/Streambank Buffer
Aquatic Plant Management
Permit Requirements

Home, Yard & Animal Waste

Find out if your community participates in a Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Program.

Septic System Maintenance

Maintaining Boats & Other Recreational Vehicles