Because of increasingly intense rains and Detroit's combined sewer system, which processes both wastewater and stormwater runoff, about 1B gallons of untreated sewage flows into the Detroit River-- and ultimately our Great Lakes-- each year.  To support wastewater treatment and mitigate this problem, the Detroit Water and Sewer Department charges customers a drainage fee.  This new charge put a high burden on many of Detroit's houses of worship, which can be assessed tens of thousands of dollars a year. 

Join us for a conversation about the drainage charges from DWSD and practical actions faith communities can take to reduce them while becoming better stewards of our watershed. Your faith community can reduce your drainage fee while also creating a beautiful natural space for your community, habitat for pollinators and wildlife, or even growing food. 

We'll be meeting at the St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center's outdoor classroom and the conversation will include a tour of the green stormwater infrastructure projects on the grounds. You'll also hear about other projects completed by area congregations.  

Topics include:

• benefits of green stormwater infrastructure, such as beautification of your property, creating native wildlife habitat, reducing your DWSD drainage fee, improving water quality for our communities 
• how the drainage fee came about
• how to understand your water bill
• how to design and implement your rain garden, depaving, and other projects
• how to apply for funding for your projects

Speakers include: 

• Rev. Glen Hodges, Meditation Missionary Baptist Church (Detroit)
• Steve Wasko, St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center (Detroit)
• Dr. Alan Hoback, University of Detroit Mercy
• Rondi Brower, Temple Kol Ami (W. Bloomfield)

***Due to the rain this event will take place indoors and will follow CDC guidance and COVID-safe practices. Wearing masks and social distancing will be encouraged. The parking lot entrance is located off of Westwood St, please look for the signs that point to the entrance of the community resource center.