Public Works

Water, Sewer and Storm

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​​​​​​Urgent water issues

If you suspect, see or experience a sanitary sewer back-up, possible sewage leak (if you smell sewage for example), water main break, rusty water, plugged storm drain, basemen​t flooding or unusually low or no water pressure, please contact us by phone. During normal business hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.​, please call 734.794.6320. After hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 734.994.2840.​​

Don't flush wipes and beware of FOG

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It is more important than ever we take simple steps to help keep plumbing and sewer systems clear of clogs. "Flushable wi​pes" create blockages in household pipes and municipal sewer systems and should never be flushed down the toilet, nor should facial tissue or paper towels. Combined with fats, oil and greases, which should never be poured down the sink, these products can create enormous, and expensive to remove, "fat​ber​gs". ​

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This website explains easy ways to help keep the Ann Arbor sewer system efficient and functional. Find out what not to flush, how to deal with fat, oil and greases, and how to prevent sewer pipe penetration.

Water dis​​tribution

The City is responsible for maintaining over 400 miles of water main, 3,000 hydrants and 8,000 valves that deliver water to homes and businesses. Public Works crews also install, repair and maintain water service lines, water meters and perform backflow prevention inspections.  ​

Click here to find information on hydrant flushing.


Sanitary sewer system

Public Works is responsible for inspecting and maintaining over 360 miles of sewer main and 10,300 manholes to ensure the uninterrupted collection of wastewater. Routine cleaning is performed with a high pressure water jet and vacuum cleaning truck, root cutting equipment (if pipe has been infi​l​trated by tree roots) and a video camera is used to assess pipe condition and pinpoint defects. Staff also repair sewer mains and manhole structures as needed.

Stormwater 

In Ann Arbor, all stormwater (and any pollutants carried by stormwater) are discharged, untreated, to the Huron River and its tributaries. To move stormwater, public works staff maintains and repairs 540 miles of stormwater conveyance system as well as 23,000 inlets and catch basins.

​Prevent backflow

Learn the steps you can take to prevent contaminants from flowing back into hoses and faucets by utilizing simple precautions and devices. 

Ann Arbor Water Logo


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Ann Arbor Public Works
W.R. Wheeler Service Center
4251 Stone School Road
Ann Arbor, MI
734.794.6320
[email protected]