There is a growing emphasis in this country regarding managing our surface waters on a watershed basis, rather than the traditional governmental boundary unit. The use of political boundaries in managing our natural resources has worked well in the past concerning point source pollution. The "end of the pipe" approach to pollution prevention is an efficient process when easily identified discharge points are the target. However, the major hurdle yet to be conquered is elusive non-point source pollution. Nutrient enrichment of surface waters is an example of non-point pollution. The sources of excess nitrogen and phosphorus entering a water body can be multiple in nature and many miles from where the effects are actually seen.

In an acknowledgment that non-point source pollution is better fought on a watershed basis rather than political boundaries, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has recently redrawn their district boundaries based upon major river watersheds. In this way, permits for all activities within each major watershed can be coordinated in a more efficient manner. Better long range planning is also possible with this arrangement. Livingston County is managed under the jurisdiction of the Shiawasse District of MDEQ. The general information number for the Shiawasse District is 517-625-4600.

Livingston County Watershed Information
(via the Livingston County Drain Commission)