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Benthic Macroinvertabrate Monitoring Program
The Water Quality Management Division (WQMD) initiated a benthic monitoring program in 2001 in partnership with the Friennds of the Rouge. The types and number of benthic macroinvertebrates found are used to assess water quality and the success of the restoration/protection efforts over time. Each team samples these sites under the direction of a trained team leader. Samples of each organism are collected and field identifications are verified in the lab. The program has been supported, in part, by grants from the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, the Clean Michigan Initiative, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.WQMD also initiated a benthic monitoring program in 2004 to involve students in monitoring the health of the Alliance of Downriver Watersheds (ADW) by sampling the creeks of that system. The types and number of benthic macroinvertebrates found are used to assess water quality and the success of the restoration/ protection efforts over time. Each team of volunteers samples the sites under the direction of a trained team leader. Samples of each organism are collected and field identifications are verified in the lab. This program has been supported, in part, by grants from the Great Lakes Commission and the Clean Michigan Initiative.
With the two programs, WQMD monitors over 40 locations in Wayne County.
The latest monitoring reports for both of these program can be found at:
Rouge River Watershed
Alliance of Downriver Watersheds
