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Water Resources
Drinking Water Treatment
Waste Water Treatment
Drinking Water Distribution System Master Plan
Stormwater Management
Stormwater Rates and Credits
Stormwater Permit
Floodplain Management
Clean Water Tips
Resources and Links





 Welcome to Water Resources Planning 

 

The Water Resources team works to achieve the City's water quality goals related to source water (surface and ground), drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. Click the links below to learn about our programs and projects.

 
water faucet



Drinking Water
Collecting, treating, and distributing high quality drinking water to Ann Arbor residents is a top priority of the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Unit. Staff perform hundreds of tests every day to ensure your drinking water not only meets, but exceeds drinking water standards.

 
Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wastewater
The City's Wastewater Treatment Service Unit is responsible for ensuring the effective collection, treatment, and environmentally-acceptable discharge of wastewater from Ann Arbor and portions of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, and Scio Townships.


storm drain



Stormwater Management
See how the City's stormwater management program is developed, implemented, and enforced. The goal of this program is to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the storm drain system.

impervious area calculation tool


Stormwater Rates and Credits
Learn about Ann Arbor's tiered stormwater rate structure, which is based on a property's amount of impervious surface. Find out how your rate was calculated and learn about credits that could help you reduce your rate.

Geddes Pond, Huron River



Stormwater Permit
Find out how the City of Ann Arbor works with other Middle Huron River Watershed partners to meet state and federal stormwater permit regulations.

Flooding on Depot Street




Floodplain Management
See how the City manages floodplains, regulations for floodplain development, flood insurance information, and tips for staying safe when a flood occurs.

 Current Activities

Proposed Stormwater Code Changes
The Malletts Creek Coordinating Committee and City of Ann Arbor staff hosted a public meeting to present and discuss a proposal to amend the City’s stormwater ordinance on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. View more information about the proposed changes and meeting materials here.

Urban Forest Management Plan
The Urban Forest Management Plan is being developed with extensive public involvement. For more information on urban forestry, the importance of trees for stormwater management, and ways you can get involved in the planning effort, visit the forestry web page or contact Kerry Gray at (734) 794-6430 Ext. 43703 or kgray@a2gov.org.

Drinking Water Distribution System Master Plan
In July 2008, the City kicked off a project to update the Drinking Water Distribution System Master Plan and Hydraulic Model. The project will evaluate current and projected demands on the water systemand update the city's computer hydraulic model. The model is used to predict flow and pressure as there are changes in the system, such as high use from firefighting activities, or population growth in different parts of the city. When complete, the Master Plan will provide a list of recommended capital improvement projects to sustain the water distribution system into the future.

Allen's Creek Stormwater Initiative

The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner and the City of Ann Arbor are collaborating on a program to identify and implement cost-effective, practical solutions to flooding, erratic flow, and water quality problems in Allens Creek. Individual efforts such as rain gardens/rain barrels will be explored, as well as infrastructure projects: bio-infiltration, constructed wetlands, porous pavement, mechanical treatment, and above and below-ground detention. Partners include: Ann Arbor Public Schools, University of Michigan, Allen’s Creek Watershed Group, Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy, Friends of West Park, Huron River Watershed Council, and Peter Allen & Associates. For more information, visit the project website or contact Harry Sheehan, (734) 222-6851.

Stormwater GIS Data Collection and Hydraulic Modeling Project
The primary goals of this project are to construct an accurate and complete inventory of the city's stormwater system for improved efficiency for operations and maintenance and to create the data structure for integrating a stormwater model with GIS and an infrastructure maintenance management system. When complete, the stormwater model will be used to identify storm system quantity and quality issues. Specific tasks include evaluating effects of proposed development, public improvement projects and potential storm system improvements (e.g., BMPs, new detention facilities). View an overview of the project (pdf), and contact David Wilburn at dwilburn@a2gov.org or (734) 997-1172 for more information.

 

This page is maintained by the Systems Planning Unit and is updated regularly.  If you experience any technical difficulties or have suggestions regarding this site, contact the webmaster.

Updated May 5, 2010

Huron River - Ann Arbor 

The Huron River is Ann Arbor's most important natural feature. It provides 85% of the city's drinking water, along with valued recreational opportunities and quality of life benefits for residents and visitors alike.

WHAT'S NEW?

Check out our Consumer's Guide to Tap Water  to view responses to frequently-asked questions about tap water quantity and quality __________________

Want to save water?

Purchase a $2 Home Water Audit Kit and get a shower/faucet flow measurement bag and a booklet with water conservation tips and steps to find and fix leaks. 

Kits are available at the Customer Service & Payment Center (located on the first floor of the City Center Building,
220 East Huron)
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How well is Ann Arbor doing meeting its
Clean Water
goals?

 

Check out the City's State of Our Environment Report to view information on more than 60 indicators tracking progress toward the Ann Arbor's ten environmental goals.
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A2 Green Guide

For tips on protecting the Huron River and conserving water in your home, check out the Ann Arbor Green Guide (pdf). Pages 15-18 focus on water resources. 


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