Michigan law requires Detroit residents to disconnect downspouts from sewer drains. During heavy rain storms, each down spout on your home can deliver 12 gallons a minute to the sewer system, which can contribute to basement backups and sewer overflows. By simply disconnecting a down spout, you can make a difference in keeping excess water out of the sewer system.

But, there’s a proper way to disconnect down spouts to avoid problems. Special how-to workshops are coming up. The Greening of Detroit in partnership with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept. and SEMCOG are hosting the following hands-on instruction and free materials to participating residents.

Free Downspout Disconnection Workshops

Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation

19800 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223

  • Tuesday,Nov. 15 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Joy-Southfield Community Development Corp.

18917 Joy Road, Detroit, MI 48228

  • Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

  • Monday, Nov. 14 from 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

  • Friday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. -11 a.m.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

NFL/YET Boys & Girls Club

16500 Tireman St., Detroit, MI 48228

  • Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Don Bosco Hall

19321 West Chicago St., Detroit, MI 48228

  • Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Dixon Elementary

8401 Trinity St, Detroit, MI 48220

  • Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.