One Water

City of Brighton Celebrates the One Water Initiative

The Great Lakes, along with our smaller lakes and rivers, provide all the freshwater we could ever need. While this water is plentiful, we depend just as much on the water providers and systems responsible for treating and delivering the water that falls, the water we drink and the water we send down the drain. In fact, it’s all One Water. 

The systems that treat our stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater are interrelated. It takes thousands of miles of pipes and a workforce of devoted professionals to cycle water out of our lakes and rivers, through our treatment plants, into our homes, back through wastewater treatment plants, and into our lakes and rivers again.

To keep our water fresh and flowing, it also takes a collective effort of everyone living in the City of Brighton to be stewards of our water resources. All residents are encouraged to support water resources with the following tips:

Drinking Water

  • A “Boil Water Advisory” is a notification issued by your local community as a precautionary measure. Boil water advisories are distributed if there is a possibility of microbiological contamination in the drinking water system.
  • A “Do Not Use Advisory” is a notification issued by your local community to alert the community not to use tap water for any purpose. This advisory is typically used only in emergency situations.
  • Understand the age and condition of your home's water infrastructure. This can help you determine actions to take to keep your infrastructure in good shape.
  • Learn where your water comes from. This will allow you to learn more about the water body and service provider that brings water to your home.

Stormwater

  • Remove garbage, leaves, and other debris from your yard. This will help prevent unwanted debris from entering the storm drain.
  • Keep local storm drains clear. If you notice a storm drain backed up with leaves, lawn clippings, or garbage, remove the debris to allow water to flow freely.
  • Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.
  • Never fertilize your lawn before a storm event. If possible, reduce the amount of chemicals you apply to your lawn, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
  • If you can, plant a tree, use a rain barrel, or implement a rain garden at your house. Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, helps water absorb into the ground, preventing water and pollutant runoff.
  • Help protect your property and community by keeping your valuables off the floor in your basement and avoid using your washing machine during intense storms and flash flooding.
  • Check that your downspouts are directed away from your home to prevent flooding.

Wastewater

  • Pour fats, oils, and greases (FOG) into covered containers and cans and dispose of them in the trash when full.
  • Wipe down pots and pans with a paper towel to remove any remaining FOG.
  • Scrape food and scraps into the trash when possible.
  • Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or drain when another safe option is available like disposing of medications in the Livingston County Community Alliance Big Red Barrel.  This safe medication deposit barrel is in front of most Police Departments in Livingston County, including the City of Brighton Police Department at 430 S. Third Street.
  • Dispose of feminine products, tissues, paper towels, and other trash in the garbage.
  • Only flush the Three P's down the toilet: pee, poop, and (toilet) paper.

Learn more about One Water, an initiative from Great Lakes Water Authority, SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and water champions throughout Southeast Michigan at miOneWater.org.  The City of Brighton has been given some free items to pass out for this initiative:  collapsible water bottles, dog waste holder with bags, stickers, brochures and grease bags.  Pick up yours from the DPW Building, 420 S. Third Street, between the business hours of Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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