Home to five major rivers, Southeast Michigan includes the Clinton, Detroit, Huron, Rouge and Raisin — with half of the state’s population residing in their watersheds, which traverse urban, industrial, rural and natural landscapes.
These rivers run through our yards, parks, neighborhoods, and downtowns.
They are an integral piece of the puzzle that makes up the larger Great Lakes ecosystem. Collectively, our watersheds received a “C” grade by the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science — the premier institution producing watershed report cards. Despite their significance, these watersheds are in “moderate” to “poor” condition when evaluated across social, economic and environmental factors reflecting the diverse challenges they face, particularly in urbanized areas.
READ THE REPORTS: Southeast Michigan | Rouge River | Detroit River |Clinton River | Huron River | River Raisin
The region’s industrial history has left a mark, with three rivers — the Clinton, Rouge, and Detroit — designated as Areas of Concern (AOC) under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1987, necessitating billions of dollars in extensive cleanup efforts for toxic sediments. Urban development exacerbates issues, as impervious surfaces like rooftops and pavement lead to rapid water runoff carrying pollutants into the rivers. Deforestation and wetland loss worsen flooding, highlighting the delicate balance between development and environmental sustainability.
Yet, despite these challenges, river-based recreation is booming, supporting local businesses, and contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
The Huron River has an annual economic output equivalent to a University of Michigan football season. The Detroit Riverwalk sees 3 million visitors each year. Due to proximity to the state’s largest population, demand for access to the region’s parks remains very high. The Huron Clinton Metroparks system alone sees over 7 million visitors a year and generates over $92 million for the tourism economy.
However, emerging threats such as PFAS contamination and climate change-induced flooding pose new risks, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Outdated infrastructure, such as combined storm and sewer systems, contribute to pollution and flooding, impacting residents’ health and well-being. These rivers and their watersheds serve as vital resources for drinking water, recreational activities, critical pollinator and wildlife habitat, and ecological balance, underscoring the urgency for proactive conservation efforts.
As directors of the region’s river and watershed nonprofits, we see a pressing need for accelerated investment in our water resources for the ecosystems they support and for the communities that call Southeast Michigan home. This includes preserving remaining green spaces, implementing green infrastructure solutions like rain gardens, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, addressing excess stormwater through updates to aging infrastructure, and remedying legacy contamination sites. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, we can safeguard both ecosystems and communities, ensuring a sustainable future for Southeast Michigan’s rivers and the people who rely on them.
We have an opportunity to make the grade, right here in our backyard. We are the Great Lakes state. Water is in our blood. And Southeast Michigan rivers need our help.
Tricia Blicharski is executive director of the Friends of the Detroit River; Rebecca Esselman is executive director of the Huron River Watershed Council; Jennifer Hill is executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council; Stephen May is executive director of the River Raisin Watershed Council; and Marie McCormick is executive director of the Friends of the Rouge.