Livingston Roads > NEWS/EVENTS > Phase II

Where does Storm Water go in Livingston County?

The majority of Livingston County is comprised of three watersheds. In the south, storm water drains to the Huron River Watershed; to the northeast, it drains to the Shiawassee River Watershed; and to the west, storm water drains to the Red Cedar Watershed. The storm water in a small portion of the northwest section of the county drains to the Looking Glass Watershed. This means that all the creeks, streams, ditches and drains in the county eventually drain to these 4 watersheds and then into the Great Lakes. Click on map for larger view.

What is Illicit Discharge?

Phase I Storm Water Regulations
Illicit Discharge is any discharge (or seepage) to the separate storm water drainage system that is not composed entirely of storm water or uncontaminated groundwater.

Illicit Connection is a physical connection to a separate storm water drainage system that primarily conveys illicit discharges into the system and/or is not authorized or permitted by the local authority (where a local authority requires such).

Illicit Discharge Warning Signs
Dry Weather Flow is noted when it has not rained for at least 72 hours and the storm drain has flow or the drain shows signs of intermittent flow (staining, odor).

Sanitary Sewage may be present if there is black staining inside the drainage pipe; visible evidence of sanitary waste, such as toilet paper; or opaque or gray water. Sewage may originate from septic tank overflow pipes or improperly dumped travel trailer waste.

Suds may be harmful to fish because suds deplete oxygen levels in the water. Suds often enter lakes and streams as a result of improperly connected car washes or washing machines.

Oil/Gas is recognized as a sheen on the water. Natural sheens may be differentiated from an oil/gas sheen by swirling the sheen around in the water. If it re-attaches, the sheen is oil/gas. Natural sheens will remain separated. Oil/Gas enters waterbodies via storm water runoff (spills while topping off at gas stations, oil leaks on pavement, etc.) and illegal dumping.