Our Wastewater System

Our wastewater treatment plant, the largest single-site treatment facility in North America, is used as a benchmark for other plants across the Midwest.

In a giant step toward becoming a Utility of the Future, GLWA is transitioning its Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to a Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), that will ultimately operate on renewable energy. At the end of this process, the WRRF will be energy neutral, meaning the facility will create enough energy to power its own operations, and perhaps even create excess energy that can be fed into the power grid.

Additionally, a new Biosolids Dryer Facility (BDF) has the ability to turn roughly one billion gallons of biosolids into environmentally friendly fertilizer. This alternative to burning or dumping in a landfill will significantly decrease emissions year-over-year.

Log into our GDRSS portal here.

Capital Improvement Plan

GLWA’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) supports the continuation of major capital asset investments to upgrade the Authority’s aging infrastructure. The five year plan is updated annually to reflect changing system needs, priorities and funding opportunities. Click on Learn More to view our current and historical CIP plans.

Combined Sewer Overflows

GLWA operates and maintains CSO Outfalls and CSO Facilities in accordance with our Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Industrial Waste Control

The Great Lakes Water Authority’s Industrial Waste Control group implements and enforces an Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) to regulate the discharge of commercial and industrial waste and wastewater.

BY THE NUMBERS

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Miles of trunk sewer pipes & interceptors operated and maintained by GLWA
0%
Less carbon dioxide emission produced by our BDF than traditional incineration
0.8m
Approximate number of people using GLWA wastewater services

Become a Member Partner

Discover how we work with our member partners to create healthy communities and explore the services we provide. Then learn how to connect your community to Michigan’s water provider of choice.


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Sewer Back-Up Claim Form

If you have been impacted by a sewer back-up and want to file a claim with GLWA, please click below.