Media Storm Alert Update: September 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2021

Media Contact:

Ashleigh Chatel / O: 313-324-7867/ ashleigh.chatel@fleishman.com 

MEDIA STORM ALERT UPDATE: GREAT LAKES WATER AUTHORITY AND ITS EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY PARTNERS  ON-SITE FOR NEXT SEVERAL DAYS DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN EVENT; URGING RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR HEAVIER RAINFALLS

The latest NOAA predictions is now approximately 6.5 inches of rain over the next three days,  and a Flood Watch has been issued for most of southeast Michigan through Thursday. Heavy rainfall is anticipated Wednesday into Wednesday night.

GLWA team members, technicians from our power supply partners, and GLWA contractors are all on-site at the Freud Pump Station and will remain on-site over the next two days to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may arise from power-related issues detected at Freud by GLWA’s recently installed power quality monitors.

Given the complexity of the system’s operations, and the fact that pumps can only be activated during a storm event, diagnosis and troubleshooting can only occur in real-time.

GLWA has been in regular contact with its member partners on the Eastside that are tributary to the Freud and Conners Creek Pump Stations and put them on alert that we may ask them to make additional adjustments to reduce or bypass flows to help alleviate pressure on the regional collection system.

The Conners Creek Pump Station is fully operational and prepared to provide support in the event of predicted heavy rainfalls.

The Authority is asking residents in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall to remain vigilant and out of an abundance of caution, to remove items of value from their basements. This request is being made of residents because, even without the potential power-related issues that have been identified, this rainfall may exceed normal design standards for the regional collection system.

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About the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA)

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is the provider-of-choice for drinking water services to nearly 40 percent, and efficient and effective wastewater services to nearly 30 percent, of Michigan’s population. With the Great Lakes as source water, GLWA is uniquely positioned to provide those it serves with water of unquestionable quality. GLWA also has the capacity to extend its services beyond its 88 member partner communities. As part of its commitment to water affordability, the Authority offers a Water Residential Assistance Program to assist low-income households in participating member communities throughout the system. GLWA’s board includes one representative each from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, two representatives from the city of Detroit, and one appointed by the Michigan governor to represent member partner communities outside of the tri-county area.