What We Do

GLWA helps ensure the water reaching your home meets treatment standards beyond state and federal requirements, and after it’s used, we treat it again before safely returning it to the environment.

Our Story

Founded in 2016, the Great Lakes Water Authority is dedicated to providing safe, reliable water services that support strong communities and protect our environment for generations to come. Solidifying this commitment to stewardship and community, GLWA sees its team as guardians and defenders of public health, with a diverse workforce that reflects the very communities they serve.

Today, GLWA is a ‘Hub Utility’ that brings people together around the science of water, fostering regional collaboration and national partnerships to drive innovation and address complex water challenges and constantly improve its processes. Always looking forward, GLWA is preparing for a strong future by building resilient infrastructure and educating the next generation of water guardians.

200
Tests performed annually to regulate water quality
35
Awards earned for water research and innovation
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3.7 million residents drink water treated by GLWA

Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable water services that support strong communities and protect our environment for generations to come.


OUR VISION IS
water that carries us forward

OUR
VALUES

GLWA’s values serve as a beacon for an organization built on people and purpose. These four value statements represent who we are, who we strive to be every day, and what we hope to carry with us into the future of water.

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MEET OUR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

GLWA’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) is a dynamic group of leaders pushing our sector forward by creating innovative solutions for our regional system and building a skilled workforce of water and wastewater professionals in the state of Michigan.

GLWA began operations as an independent regional water and wastewater authority, separate from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) in 2016. The formation and stand-up of GLWA was an integral part in the plan to position Detroit and southeast Michigan for long-term success. To achieve this, GLWA signed a 40-year lease for control over the DWSD treatment plants, major water transmission mains, sewage interceptors and related facilities for $50 million per year. The funds go directly toward capital improvement for the City of Detroit retail water system and to repair Detroit’s aging water infrastructure.

It took an unprecedented level of regional collaboration to form the Great Lakes Water Authority, but on January 1, 2016, we assumed operations and got to work.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Great Lakes Water Authority

  • GLWA operates and maintains major treatment plants, facilities, and large-scale regional infrastructure.
  • GLWA provides regional water and wastewater treatment services for communities across Southeast Michigan.
  • GLWA works collaboratively with member communities to ensure reliable and high-quality water services.
  • GLWA plans and funds long-term capital improvements to strengthen the regional water and wastewater systems.

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

  • DWSD operates Detroit’s local water and sewer systems and serves residential and commercial customers in the city.
  • DWSD manages billing and provides customer service for water and wastewater accounts in Detroit.
  • DWSD administers payment plans and affordability programs for eligible customers.
  • DWSD retains ownership of Detroit’s water and sewer infrastructure, including mains and sewer lines.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Explore the work happening behind the scenes to deliver safe, reliable water every day. Each report highlights key accomplishments, financial performance, and progress toward long-term infrastructure, research, and innovation goals.

Year in Review 2016Year in Review 2017Year in Review 2018Year in Review 2019Year in Review 2020Year in Review 2021Year in Review 2022Year in Review 2023Year in Review 2024
Candice Hobson Candice Hobson

“Everybody needs water and water is life. At GLWA, we all have a hands-on approach to being part of that.”

Candice Hobson

Manager, Water Maintenance