On one Detroit block, what started as a routine construction project has turned into a soggy nightmare, according to neighbors who say water has been pouring into their yards and basements ever since work began nearby. They describe soaked belongings, damaged floors and repeat flooding during both heavy rain and dry spells, and say that despite asking the city and the contractor for help, they have yet to see a lasting fix.
Neighbors Point To A Nearby Project
According to ClickOnDetroit, Local 4 reporter Demond Fernandez spoke with homeowners who blame an ongoing construction project for the damage. Residents told the station they have had water in their basements and yards and want the contractor and city inspectors to take a hard look at the grading and drainage around the site.
City Programs Offer Prevention, Not A Quick Fix
The city does have longer-term efforts aimed at preventing basement backups. Federal disaster recovery funding has been routed into broader stormwater and sewer improvements. As the City of Detroit notes, CDBG-DR dollars are being used for sewer repairs, detention basins and other infrastructure projects intended to cut down on street and basement flooding.
Flooding Has Historic Roots Here
Detroit’s aging infrastructure has been at the center of past flooding emergencies. In February 2025, crews were called out to repair a broken transmission main that flooded dozens of homes, according to the AP. Local coverage has also chronicled tens of thousands of basement backups after severe storms, with BridgeDetroit detailing the scale of the damage.
Residents Demand Quick Fixes
Neighbors who spoke with Local 4 say they want the contractor to change the grading that they believe is sending water straight toward their homes, and they are pressing city inspectors for a clear timeline for repairs. Several residents also told the station they are worried about mold and repeated damage if the underlying drainage problems are not addressed. Their concerns were reported by ClickOnDetroit.
How To Report Damage And Seek Help
Detroit’s Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) advises residents to document damage and report sewer or drainage issues directly to DWSD. The department also runs the Basement Backup Protection Program for eligible homes. Details on the program and application steps are available on DWSD’s city webpages, or residents can call DWSD Customer Care at 313-267-8000 for assistance, according to the City of Detroit.
