Among the findings of the report, The Water Resource Conditions and Use in the Huron River Basin, was a recommendation that an agency was needed to evaluate the quality of the Huron River on a continuing basis. The Washtenaw County Planning Department was concerned about the impact of this policy on future development and asked the State Water Resources Commission to study the utilization of water in the watershed to help resolve water use and pollution concerns. The State Health Department studied the quality of the river and decided to restrict expansion of any sewage treatment plants. Water supply was sufficient, but pollution in the river was a growing problem, especially in the narrow part below Ann Arbor. A controversy between Wayne County and Detroit resulted in a National Sanitation Foundation study to survey present and future water resources and demands in the area.Īt the same time, new industrial and subdivision development was occurring in Ann Arbor and eastern Washtenaw County. Our historical roots reach back to 1956 when a drought period caused severe water shortages in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Even though HRWC has no enforcement powers, we have accomplished our goals through the use of technical data, factual information and citizen stewardship to influence decisions made by various local agencies, businesses, and individuals. Much of the credit for this status goes to the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) and those who saw the need for the river’s protection. The Huron River is considered to be the cleanest urban river in Michigan. Hayes of Pittsfield Township, Wallace Bowman of the Washtenaw County Planning Commission and William Scheel, chairman of the Washtenaw Board of Supervisors, are key figures in the Huron River Watershed Intergovernmental Committee. 1959: Ann Arbor News PLAN RIVER’S FUTURE: William G.
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