The quality of the water and stability of flow are important to support a diverse and healthy ecosystem and to provide recreational, economic, aesthetic, and educational opportunities that are essential to our quality of life. The way we use our land determines the condition of our watershed and water resources.

A watershed is another word for a riverbasin. It’s an area of land that drains into a common body of water. Rain and melting snow washes down the drain in the parking lots and streets into our storm water sewer system. This system then transports the water into rivers and streams and eventually into our lakes. In Bay City, a portion of the City drains to the Kawkawlin River Watershed, and a portion drains to the Saginaw Bay Watershed.  

The City of Bay City is committed to protecting and enhancing our waterways by:

·        Participating in the Bay Area Water Authority (BASWA)Bay County - BASWA

·        Participating in a County-wide Phosphorus ban;

·        Improving recreational opportunities in our City; and

·        Educating our residents on the importance of our natural resources.

We all play a part in keeping our lakes, rivers, and streams clean.