About the ADW

We are a council of 21 communities and public agencies committed to protecting the Downriver watersheds.  Members work together to sustainably manage the area’s water resources through several initiatives and educational programs.  Since 2007, the ADW has secured $2.5 million in federal and state grant funding, resulting in $3.4 million in water quality improvement projects. 

To learn more about the ADW or see when upcoming meetings are taking place, check out the ADW website at www.allianceofdownriverwatersheds.org. 

  ADW Success Stories

ADW participates in SEMCOG's One Water Campaign

  Member Highlight

Community Leaders attend Congresswoman Dingell's Downriver Riverfront Town Hall

On July 13, 2021, ADW community leaders joined Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as special guests during her Downriver Riverfront Town Hall. Members included Wyandotte Mayor Rob DeSana, Grosse Ile Township Trustee Carl Bloetscher, Riverview City Manager Doug Drysdale, and Wayne County Assistant County Executive Khalil Rahal. Robert Burns of the Friends of the Detroit River, an ADW cooperating partner, was also featured in the town hall. The discussion focused on environmental and infrastructure issues impacting the Downriver Riverfront area. Topics highlighted by community leaders included the former McLouth Steel Corp site, Riverview landfill, DTE Trenton Channel Power Plant, and the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. A million-dollar investment into Elizabeth Park in Trenton was spotlighted by Rahal. Click here to read more in the Times-Hearld Newspaper. To watch the full town hall, click here.  

  Tips

Trees Reduce Runoff

The leaves and bark of a tree retain a surprising amount of water—allowing some to evaporate and some to reach the ground more slowly. Depending on the size and species, a single tree can store 100 gallons or more. This redistribution of water can be significant. In fact, it’s been estimated that an urban forest can reduce annual runoff by up to 7 percent. Calculate your tree’s impact at treebenefits.com. 

  Announcements

Michigan State University, Michigan Sea Grant, and Bowling Green State University are conducting a study that explores the experience and overall knowledge of residents near Lake Erie, Ford Lake and Belleville Lake regarding harmful algae blooms (HABs). The data from this first phase is being used to produce a communication campaign and its efficacy will be evaluated through focus groups.  The communication campaign aims to increase awareness of HABs, its health effects, and identify vulnerable populations. The study will conclude by mid-September. Stay turned for updates on the outreach campaign. Learn more about harmful algal blooms from Michigan Sea Grant.

Join the Friends of the Detroit River on Saturday, October 9, 2021 for their Annual Meeting and Riverkeeper Dinner. They will be celebrating 2020 accomplishments and raising money for their Riverkeeper Program. Learn more here.