Avoid Lower Rouge River Near Canton, Officials Warn

PLYMOUTH-CANTON, MI — Wayne County health officials urged Plymouth-Canton residents to avoid the lower Rouge River after partially treated wastewater from Canton was dumped into the river due to the severity of recent flooding.

Officials said the partially treated wastewater released into the river may contain various contaminants, including pathogens and chemicals that could pose health risks to anyone who comes into contact with the water. The contaminants could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections and other waterborne diseases.

Officials strongly advise all residents in the area 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 the river.
• Keep Pets Away: Ensure that your pets are kept away from the 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 the 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 the river during this time, as they may be affected by the effluent discharge.

The Plymouth-Canton area was one of the hardest hit communities during Thursday night's powerful storms. Reports showed numerous downed trees and power lines in Canton, as well as more than 250 flooded homes.

Officials at the National Weather Service were reviewing the storm damage to determine if a possible "quick-spin" tornado touched down in the area.

The storms come just one day after multiple roadways in the Plymouth-Canton area were flooded, forcing drivers to abandon their cars.