Why water is scarce now Max Ortiz / The Detroit News July 25, 2001 Deb MacInnes uses a sprinkler set on low at Four Seasons Garden Center in Oak Park. Natural and man-made factors have forced the first widespread restrictions since 1995. Over-watering exposes pressure and capacity shortage CLINTON TOWNSHIP -- Michael Kay looks at the new condominiums and businesses popping up near his subdivision, and he's more than frustrated. He's peeved. 07/25/01 Detroit to spend $4.3 billion over 5 years to upgrade system DETROIT -- The city's Water and Sewerage Department is making a massive investment in its system, spending at least $4.3 billion over the next five years to significantly increase capacity and bring its aging water system up to date. 07/25/01 Three inches of rain may lift restrictions Metro Detroit needs more than 3 inches of steady rain over several days to end lawn watering restrictions and escape a drought that may produce the area's driest July, the National Weather Service says. 07/25/01 Impact Drought dries nurseries' business SHELBY TOWNSHIP -- The impact of this unusually dry summer is being felt by everyone in Metro Detroit who has to put the sprinkler away every other day. 07/25/01 Health threat Water supplies remain safe LANSING -- Despite concerns that falling water pressure in communities across southeast Michigan could lead to the contamination of drinking water supplies, state officials said Tuesday there is no immediate health threat. 07/25/01 Macomb oasis Mt. Clemens has water to spare but no buyers MT. CLEMENS -- In the middle of a summer drought, Mt. Clemens has no buyers for its water. 07/25/01
