Paint Creek Flooding: 'We Wish It Would Quit'

In 2001, David and Susan Purdy were married in the lush backyard of their Oakland Township home.

Ten years later, the couple's yard – which is bordered by Paint Creek on nearly every side – is practically a lake.

"This is about the fourth time this year that it's flooded like this," said David Purdy, who lives near Gunn and Orion roads in Oakland Township.

"The only thing we're worried about is we wish it would quit," he said, adding that he and his wife have planting they want to do when Paint Creek recedes.

"I hope it doesn't get any worse than this, but if we have much more rain, it might," said Julie Doherty, who took time out from her walk through Rochester Municipal Park to watch the high water's swift current Thursday.

"I haven't seen it ever go over the banks, but then again, I've only been out here for a few years."

Earl Calhoun, a bus driver for Rochester Community Schools who was spending his lunch hour in the park Thursday, said the rain has affected his gardening this year, though he doesn't mind the floodwater.

"Personally, I like high water levels, but it's pretty upsetting to some people," he said.