‘Gratiot odor’ lingers on Detroit’s east side: Residents report nauseating sewer-like smell

Residents on Detroit’s east side are experiencing a persistent sewer-like odor, dubbed the "Gratiot odor," which has caused nausea and concern for health. The odor stems from necessary flow diversions during a sewer rehabilitation project involving multiple agencies, including the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and the Great Lakes Water Authority. This project aims to repair and strengthen a significant sewer pipe serving over a million residents, ensuring the reliability of the regional system. Although the odors are a temporary byproduct, engineers are working on mitigation strategies to address these concerns while highlighting the importance of regional cooperation to maintain infrastructure and public health.