Working with Our Members

The collaborative relationship we share with our members makes up the bedrock of GLWA’s operating philosophy.

As we work together for the greater good of the region, GLWA coordinates projects for civic improvement and provides members with educational resources. Our One Water Partnership Agreement outlines the mutual commitment between GLWA and those we serve, including the One Water Mission: To collaboratively ensure a One Water system approach to our regional water and wastewater system that will be economically, socially, and environmentally responsible and sustainable.

Our members include GLWA team members, board members, water and wastewater partners, associated stakeholders, elected officials, consultants and regulatory agencies.

GLWA has a dedicated Member Outreach Program that collaborates with its members on water and wastewater activities. Work groups are used to involve members in technical service and financial discussions that support decision-making for GLWA’s water and wastewater systems. GLWA has designated team members working within the Member Outreach Program and includes a contracted third-party facilitator responsible for ensuring and sustaining the rules of collaboration and furthering the transparent exchange of information between GLWA and its members.

WRAP PROGRAM

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) launched the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) in 2015 to provide financial assistance to qualifying low-income households in the GLWA service area. WRAP helps households with low incomes permanently reduce their water, sewer, and drainage services bills by providing water conservation measures and offering bill payment and arrearage assistance. The program is funded by at one half of one percent of GLWA budgeted revenues.

Representatives from the surrounding counties worked together with GLWA to create a program that is first of its kind in Michigan, and one of only a few models for sustainable assistance plans in the country. GLWA engages with local service delivery partners who have direct oversight of the implementation and marketing of the program in their service areas, allowing for more tailored outreach efforts. Our partners include Macomb Community Action Agency (MCA) and the founding-administer Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro).