Water Quality
A look into GLWA’s water quality standards, testing, and treatment practices.
Water System
The Great Lakes Water Authority’s regional system contains a network of treatment plants and facilities and a distribution system that spans over 800 miles to bring safe and reliable water services to your home. GLWA serves 8 counties, providing water to nearly 40% of Michigan’s population.
Understand Our Water System
The Great Lakes Water Authority operates five water treatment facilities that draw water from Lake Huron and the Great Lakes tributary, the Detroit River.
Quality begins at the source and GLWA invests time and resources into the continued protection of our source water. We work with world-class universities and foundations to ensure a level of water quality that not only meets but surpasses all federal and state standards. And a continued focus on environmental impact has helped GLWA become a leader on environmental practices and compliance in the Midwest.
RESOURCE DOCUMENTS
Water Master Plan
In 2015, GLWA, still under the DWSD name at the time, completed a Water Master Plan for the region. The period covered in the master plan is July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2034 with periodic updates. GLWA continues to use this Water Master Plan. Click below to see the final report.
Water Quality Matters
With the Great Lakes as our source, GLWA is uniquely positioned to provide its communities with water of unquestionable quality. We more than surpass acceptable water quality levels thanks to our expert staff’s oversight of quality control, technology and innovative treatment processes.
Water Works Park TOC Levels, 2023
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Water Works Park Treatment Plant was cited for a treatment technique violation for inadequate removal of Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Learn more below.
New Michigan Lead and Copper Rule
Additional Resources
FAQs
The Great Lakes Water Authority draws water from Lake Huron and the Great Lakes tributary, the Detroit River to provide water to 115 communities in southeast and mid-Michigan.
GLWA’s water treatment process is a 24/7 operation managed by highly-qualified and trained professionals. Once water enters GLWA facilities it goes through various treatment levels, including physical screening, filtration and a final quality check before being pumped out of our stations to member communities.
GLWA provides water of the highest quality to its member partner communities. The water we provide not only meets, but exceeds Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, as well as all other applicable state and federal regulations.
The quality of our drinking water is a Shared Responsibility. GLWA, our member communities and their retail customers are connected through a complex regional water infrastructure system that is designed to protect public health.
A “Boil Water Advisory” is a notification issued by your local community as a precautionary measure. Boil water advisories are distributed if there is a possibility of microbiological contamination in the drinking water system.
A “Do Not Use Advisory” is a notification issued by your local community to alert the community not to use tap water for any purpose. This advisory is typically used only in emergency situations.
Water storage tanks help GLWA’s member partner communities in two ways. First, storage tanks can provide water in case of emergencies. Second, they assist communities in better managing their demands on the GLWA system by using less water during peak system hours. This may save the community money when the tank is filled during low-usage times. The water stored in the tank is then used during peak hours instead of drawing from the system, keeping costs lower for everyone. Some storage tanks are elevated, but many are also constructed below ground. Whether a tank is elevated or below ground, and whether a tank is the right solution for a community, is a unique decision for each member partner.
For more information on water storage tanks, watch this educational video.
Explore our
facilities
GLWA maintains and operates a network of water and wastewater treatment and combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities across the region to serve southeast Michigan’s population.
“I love the water industry because it allows me to serve my community in a meaningful, hands-on way. Working at GLWA fuels that passion even more, thanks to a mission-driven team that takes pride in protecting and sustaining our region’s water. At GLWA, I’m surrounded by dedicated people who share that mission, and it makes me proud to be part of a team that keeps our region flowing strong.”
Kieyona Bailey
Manager, Springwells Water Treatment Plant
