Addressing Detroit’s Flooding Crisis

In recent years, the city of Detroit has faced significant flooding issues, exacerbated by climate change and aging infrastructure. A hidden factor contributing to this flooding is the presence of "ghost streams" — former waterways buried or filled in during urban development.
In a discussion on the show Created Equal, Stephen Henderson spoke with Jacob Napieralski, a geology professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, about the impact of these ghost streams on Detroit’s flooding.
To combat severe flooding, Gary Brown, director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), shared insights on The Metro. After devastating storms in 2021, the Great Lakes Water Authority and DWSD have improved infrastructure, including adding new substations and maintaining pumps. Additionally, DWSD has implemented the Basement Backup Protection Program, installing backflow preventers in homes to stop basement flooding. This program has completed installations in over 400 homes and plans to expand further with recent funding.
Brown advises residents to prepare for heavy rains by keeping gutters clean and securing valuables in basements. During rain events, homes with backflow preventers should avoid using water to prevent internal backups.
In other news, Michigan aims to build 100,000 public EV chargers by 2030, though currently, it has only 3,400. Consumers Energy plans to install 1,500 fast-chargers to help meet this goal. Additionally, WDET reporters are covering the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, focusing on the impact of a recent assassination attempt on former President Trump.
Listeners can tune into The Metro on weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM or stream it on-demand.