August 28, 2023 – Canton Flooding and Storm Damage Update:
River Rouge Health Advisory:
Due to the severity of the recent flooding, local municipalities were compelled to discharge partially or fully untreated wastewater into various water ways, including the Lower River Rouge, the Huron River, and the Detroit River. As a result, citizens should avoid contact with the Lower River Rouge, the Huron River, and the Detroit River. Further considering the evolving situation, it is recommended that residents stay out of rivers and rivulets for the time being.
Health Risks:
The partially treated wastewater released into rivers may contain various contaminants, including pathogens and chemicals that could pose health risks to anyone who comes into contact with the water. These contaminants could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases.
Precautionary Measures:
We strongly advise all residents to take the following precautionary measures:
• Avoid All Contact: Refrain from swimming, wading, kayaking, boating, or any form of direct contact with the river water until further notice. This includes avoiding any recreational activities that involve these rivers.
• Keep Pets Away: Ensure that your pets are kept away from river water as well, as they can also be susceptible to the contaminants present in the water.
• Hygiene Practices: If you inadvertently come into contact with affected river water, immediately wash the exposed areas of your body with soap and clean water. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and eyes, after being in or around the river.
• Avoid Consuming Fish: If you engage in fishing, we recommend refraining from consuming any fish caught from these rivers during this time, as they may be affected by the effluent discharge.
Storm Damage Assessment:
Members of Canton Township’s CERT volunteer program, as well as Canton Township staff and elected officials, continue to conduct door-to-door damage assessments on residential structures in neighborhoods affected by the severe weather to provide to the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Michigan State Police.
These assessments are a necessary step in evaluating the impact of the recent storm damage and tornadic activity that has affected several areas in the Canton community.
Canton residents who have not already participated in the door-to-door damage assessment and have been affected by the recent heavy rains and storm damage are encouraged to submit a self-reporting survey to help assess the damage throughout the township online at:
Self Reporting Storm Damage Survey
This data will help Canton pursue resources at both the State and County levels.
Storm Damage:
As most power has been restored to the Canton community, if you are still without power, Canton is asking residents to contact DTE at 800/477-4747 or fill out an online report at https://outage.dteenergy.com. The only utility Canton is responsible for is water and sewer so by using these resources you will put yourself in direct contact with the service provider best able to resolve your issue.
We also have a lot of residents reporting downed trees. Canton’s Public Works Division is working to clear main roads with obstructions. Once completed, they will move onto subdivision streets to clear any trees blocking traffic. Please note, if you have large tree limbs or trees that have fallen on private property, you will need to work with your HOA or private landscaping company for removal.
GFL has provided several yard-waste dumpsters at Canton’s DPW. Residents can utilize these dumpsters for large limbs/branches and excessive amounts of debris. The dumpsters are located on the front lawn of the DPW, located at 4847 Sheldon Road. Please note, this dumpster is for yard-waste only.
Due to the extreme volume of calls, we are asking residents to only contact Canton’s DPW in the event of an emergency at 734/397-1011. If your call does go to voicemail, please leave a message. A staff member will return your call as soon as possible. If the emergency is a threat to your safety, please call 911.
Park Closures:
Please be advised that due to damage sustained from the severe storms that made their way through Canton Township, the Heritage Park Splash Playground is closed for the remainder of the season. In addition, the Heritage Park South Pavilions are closed indefinitely due to significant storm damage. Visitors to Heritage Park are advised to use extreme caution or temporarily avoid the area as several trees are down and Canton Parks staff is working to clear all debris. In addition, the trailhead of the Lower Rouge Trail, located at Morton Taylor, north of Michigan Avenue, is closed until further notice due to several downed trees near the road entrance. For more information, call 734/394-5360.
Canton thanks you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we navigate all flooding and storm related issues.