Galien River Watershed

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Homeowner Survey in the Galien River Watershed

Over the next few months, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission along with Michigan State University, Purdue University, Wisconsin University, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency and The Conservation Fund, will be conducting a survey of homeowners in the Galien River Watershed.  About 200 homes will be visited and 1,700 homes will receive a survey in the mail with a postage paid return address.  The survey will assess homeowner's knowledge and interest in water quality issues in the Galien River Watershed.  If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Marcy Colclough at 269-925-1137 x25 or colcloughm@swmpc.org.

What Can You Do?

One way that people can help keep our waters clean is to have a properly working and maintained septic system.  Use water efficiently this includes, using efficient dishwashers and washers and using then when they are full, maintain your plumbing to eliminate leaks, taking shorter showers.  Don't flush or pour hazardous chemicals down the drain, or use your septic system as a trash can.  

For more information check out the local heath department  or Public Education Materials on water quality.

The Galien River Watershed

The Galien River Watershed is located in Southwest Michigan and is approximately 82,200 acres located in Berrien County and emptying into Lake Michigan in New Buffalo. In Michigan, this watershed contains 62% rural land, 23% forest land, and 5% urban land, with the remainder being streams and lakes. The Galien River Watershed encompasses areas of prime farmland, Warren Woods Preserve, and a portion of the City of New Buffalo where the Galien River flows into Lake Michigan.  

Learn More about the Galien River Watershed...

NPS Analysis - A nonpoint source pollution analysis was conducted for the Galien River Watershed and was presented to the Steering Committee.  The presentation can be viewed here:  

Galien River Biosurvey 2007

Galien River Watershed Fact Sheet