Oakland County Watershed Management Program

The Oakland County Drain Commissioner's (OCDC) Environmental Team implements and manages programs to protect and restore Oakland County's rivers, lakes, and streams. The flow of water doesn't recognize political boundaries; therefore OCDC works with communities and other stakeholders to protect the waterways. 

OCDC is responsible for more than 500 miles of drainage systems that are called County Drains.

The headwaters of five major watersheds or drainage areas lie in Oakland County.

• Rouge River Watershed
• Clinton River Watershed
• Huron River Watershed
• Shiawassee River Watershed
• Flint River Watershed

OCDC has completed several projects to limit pollution to our rivers, lakes, and streams including construction of combined sewer overflow facilities. The largest remaining source of pollution to our rivers, lakes, and streams is nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution comes from many diffuse sources. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt picking up pollutants from our yards, driveways, and sideways and depositing them into lakes, rivers, and streams. There are easy ways you can help prevent water pollution.

Many communities in Michigan, including Oakland County, are required to have a storm water permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. This requirement is part of the Federal Clean Water Act and is referred to as Phase II storm water permit. The Environmental Team coordinates Phase II compliance activities for Oakland County as part of the Oakland County Storm Water Committee. Other Oakland County departments who have responsibility for Phase II activities include Facilities Management, Health Division, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Economic Development Services, Road Commission for Oakland County, and Waste Resource Management.

Oakland County's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Initiative (SWPPI) identifies the actions Oakland County will take to protect and restore the lakes, rivers, and streams of Oakland County. These actions include public education, illicit discharge elimination, watershed-based planning, and others.

For more information on the Environmental Team and what they can do for you, please contact Jim Wineka winekaj@oakgov.com or phone 248-858-1901.