Source Water Protection Efforts

Archived News Release: December 28, 2023 - Source water protection is key to both the health of Ann Arbor drinking water and the ecosystem of our community. As such, the City of Ann Arbor maintains a Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP) and Surface Water Intake Protection Plan (SWIPP) within its Source Water Master Plan.

Ann Arbor is nearly complete with its 2023 update of these plans. This effort is necessary to manage our drinking water resources now and into the future. The goal is to maintain a resilient and reliable source of drinking water to ensure the health of our community and ecosystems. This project includes updates to our Wellhead Protection Plan and Surface Water Intake Protection Plan under the direction and guidance of Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE. Learn more about the EGLE Source Water Protection Program and watch for updates and opportunities to learn more as the work in Ann Arbor moves forward.

Protecting source water is not just about planning, it’s about the everyday things each of us can do. For example:

Don't pour hazardous waste down the drain, on the ground, or into catch basins. Washtenaw County has a Household Toxics program that can help you dispose of these items.
Limit the use of pesticides or fertilizers, and always follow the label directions.
Dispose of medications properly. Residents should take advantage of Washtenaw County's pharmaceutical take-back collection program that accept prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as this program offers a safe and environmentally-conscious way to dispose of unwanted medicines.
If you live near a stream or the river, grow a vegetative buffer between your mowed lawn and the water's edge.
Help keep the area around storm drains clear of debris.
In the winter, reduce your use of salt on driveways and sidewalks.
Plant a tree. Trees help absorb and filter water of pollutants.
Clean up driveway spills as they happen and don't wash the material into the street.

Visit the city's website to learn more about protecting source water.

Ann Arbor has 123,851 residents, spans 28.97 square miles and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates, and follow the city on Twitter and Facebook. The city's mission is to deliver exceptional services that sustain and enhance a vibrant, safe and diverse community.