Lyon Township officials are continuing ongoing talks with the Great Lakes Water Authority about joining the water service that already serves 127 communities in southeast Michigan.

The focus is looking at the costs and improved water quality — softer water that won't need rust removal and the use of home water softeners.

"I thought it was crazy, but economically this could be not an added burden but an improvement. We have good water but it is well water. It has a lot of minerals," Lyon Township Supervisor Lannie Young said. "The Great Lakes water is surface water — it doesn't need treatment."

Currently, the township draws water from four well heads and utilizes three water towers — plans are underway for a fourth water tower in the south end of the township. That tower is needed whether the township continues to rely on the wells or goes with GLWA, Young said.

"Even if we stay with our well system, we need that fourth tank to equalize the water pressure," Young said. "Our tanks would offset peak times (which trigger higher GLWA rates). When we need to replenish (water tanks) in hot weather, it takes a lot of water. The cost of the water (through GLWA) is much cheaper with reduced peak time need."

If Lyon decides to go with GLWA for water, the township wouldn't need to construct an iron-removal facility, which has an estimated cost of $5 million.

"It's perfectly good water but it is well water and requires softening and iron removal. Most well water is hard. We remove the iron at great expense for the residents," Young said. "It's costly to the end user. If they use potassium chloride, which we require, it costs $26 a bag and you use two bags a month, that's $600 a year. If the rates goes up $400-500, they won't have to soften the water."

The availability of GLWA water, rather than relying on wells, wouldn't spur more development in the township, Young said.

"We have plenty of water capacity (with the wells) and have mapped out the township development for the next 20 years," he said.

Should the township decide to join the GLWA, Young said there would be a memorandum of understanding executed and new water mains would need to be installed to connect the two systems. It would be seamless transition for water users if the switch is made.

“Our discussion with Lyon Township advances our mission to provide Southeastern Michigan with water of unquestionable quality in support of healthy communities,” said Sue McCormick, chief executive officer, GLWA. “As an organization, we strive to be the provider of choice dedicated to efficiently delivering the nation’s best water service. Safe, reliable, quality water is the foundation for attracting residents and spurring economic growth.”

If Lyon Township does join GLWA, it would be the first community added since GLWA was formed in January 2016 replacing the old Detroit Water and Sewerage Board.
Twitter: @LRogersObserver

Read or Share this story: