Latest news with #GLWA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
GLWA advisory warns pumps could be impacted by power issues
The Brief A new GLWA advisory says pumps might be impacted by power issues. It included guidelines for removing valuables from the basement. DETROIT (FOX 2) - There are new flooding concerns after the Great Lakes Water Authority revealed power problems that might compromise it's' pumping system. The backstory "I still have a very clear memory of going to my basement, opening the door - looking down the stairs and seeing five feet of water and simply closing the door because I could not believe what was going on," Allison Heeres. Heeres, a Jefferson Chalmers resident, said she does not want a repeat of history. "I saw somebody go by my porch in a canoe in the middle of the night while I sat there and worried about what was happening here," she said. A new advisory from the Great Lakes Water Authority is asking residents to remove valuables from basements and a request that homeowners do not run washing machines and dishwashers during heavy rain. That message comes with more rain in the forecast. GLWA says it is operating out of an abundance of caution in the unlikely event of a failure. " I just got a new washer and dryer so after this announcement, I'm going to make sure that it's high enough up," she said. "A lot of people in the neighborhood have to make sure that they can address the issue at hand." Heeres is also the owner of Coriander Kitchen and Farm Restaurant in the same neighborhood. Like many in the area, she is concerned about ongoing DTE Energy power problems impacting GLWA's Water Resource Recovery Facility and pumping stations. The restaurant doesn't have a basement but many homes in the area do. "Myself, all my neighbors, everyone, we lost everything in our basement," she said. "People are talking about 'Oh you know what are you gonna do now?' I actually don't have that much to move out of my basement because I lost everything the first time and I just got out of the habit of storing things down there, but that's not awesome." GLWA updated the situation in a statement to FOX 2 that reads: "The Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) remains fully functional, and GLWA continues to stay in communication with DTE Energy as they repair their equipment and work to restore full triple power redundancy to the facility. GLWA successfully weathered last night's storms and is currently dewatering the system. "Furthermore, GLWA continues to develop response strategies for the unlikely event of a complete outage at the WRRF. Given the current forecast and system levels, GLWA is planning to implement its response measures to mitigate, to the extent possible, negative impacts on the regional system service area." Heeres is hoping for the best especially long term."Living in Jefferson Chalmers we live within the canals, within the water systems and it seems like between the statewide authorities, the local authorities and the utilities, there doesn't seem to be enough collaboration or insight in order to get us past all of these challenges that we are going to be continuing to face due to global climate change," she says it is acting out of an abundance of caution - saying while a total failure is unlikely. They can't predict what parts of the system will be affected, as that would depend on real time weather patterns. The Source Information for this report is from a GLWA advisory, previous reports, and an interview with a Jefferson Chalmers resident and business owner.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
GLWA: Don't use dishwashers or washing machines during heavy rain
The Brief A Flood Watch has been issued for Metro Detroit for Wednesday night into Thursday. GLWA said the predicted rainfall amount is within the design capacity of the regional system, but is still encouraging people to take precautions. Don't run your dishwasher or washing machine during heavy rain because it could overwhelm the sewer system. DETROIT (FOX 2) - With a Flood Watch issued for all of Metro Detroit later Wednesday and 1-2 inches of rain in the forecast, residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) said Tuesday that the predicted rainfall amount is within the design capacity of the regional system, which is dry after last weekend's rain. Still, GLWA issued guidance to residents just in case. GLWA said that people who live in low-lying areas should remove valuables from their basement. They should also do so if they have experienced flooding before. Additionally, during the heavy rain, people are asked not to run dishwashers or washing machines. During rainstorms, this extra water can overwhelm the system and lead to flooding since many communities are part of a combined sewer system. In a combined system, wastewater and stormwater both flow through the same pipes, known as gray infrastructure, and go to a wastewater treatment plant. This means that during periods of intense rain, the system can get overwhelmed and flood roads and basements. The Flood Watch will be in effect for Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, St. Clair County, and Macomb counties. The National Weather Service said there is a threat of rivers, creeks, and streams flooding. There could also be flash flooding in areas with poor drainage.
CBS News
02-04-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Severe weather possible again for Southeast Michigan; NWS confirms nine tornadoes since Sunday
Severe weather season has definitely settled in for this spring, with Michigan having already faced one round of tornadoes on Sunday and a potential for a repeat scenario Wednesday night. The National Weather Service has confirmed nine tornadoes , mostly in mid-Michigan, amid Sunday's weather. One more report in Branch County is still under investigation. All of them were rated EF-1 or EF-0. The confirmed list includes a small tornado, rated EF-O, that hit along Wabash Road near Milan in Monroe County An average of 15 tornadoes hit somewhere in Michigan each year, the NWS reports. The phrasing to be aware of in tornado-specific announcements issued by the National Weather Service includes: Tornado watch: Conditions exist that allow a tornado to form. These are often in effect for a few hours. Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and the warning is for a specific time and location. The signs to also be alert for include a dark, possibly greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar caused by the spinning winds. Tornado emergency: This is the highest level of tornado warning. One was issued for the first time in Michigan in May 2024 in response to dangerous weather in the southwest part of the state. Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week took place March 16-22, with a voluntary tornado drill on March 19. Numerous state and local agencies and media outlets provided safety tips and reminders for the spring and summer season ahead. For information about emergency preparedness kit suggestions, and recommended places at home or away in response to a tornado warning, go to . The main instruction is to get into the lowest level of a building, away from windows, to wait out a tornado warning. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for several counties in Southeast Michigan for Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Ahead of that forecast, some of the area municipalities and utilities issued reminders to residents who have experienced basement backups in the past during heavy rains to be on the lookout Wednesday night into Thursday. "We do not expect any problems to arise, but this is your friendly reminder to pay attention to the weather and take reasonable precautions to avoid property damage," the City of Monroe posted on its social media accounts earlier this week. Great Lakes Water Authority, whose services include sewage for parts of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, said the predicted rainfall is within the capacity for the stormwater systems it manages, as earlier rain has moved out of the sytem. But as a precaution, GLWA suggested those who live in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rain to remove any items of value that may be currently in basements. "It is also helpful if residents do not run their washing machines and dishwashers during heavy rain events," GLWA said. The CBS Detroit NEXT Weather Team will continue to monitor these upcoming storms. For the latest forecast, watch on air, online, or on the stream on CBS Detroit and PlutoTV.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Water, sewer rates on the rise for southeast Michigan communities
Metro Detroit residents are bracing for higher water and sewer bills this year after the Great Lakes Water Authority approved the largest system-wide service charges in over a decade. The rate hike was part of a budget approval with the authority's board of directors. At a meeting on Wednesday, the six-member GLWA board unanimously voted to increase system charges by an average of 5.9% for wholesale water and 4.5% for wastewater for the 2026 fiscal year. The new rates, effective July 1, coincide with the expiration of a cap that limited increases to 4% or less annually. GLWA's fiscal year 2026 budget is $954 million — up about $48 million from the year prior. Debt service, operations and maintenance comprise a majority of the budget. Inflation related to chemicals, utilities and service costs, along with initiatives to address corrosion control, flooding and service pipe replacement are some of the factors GLWA attributed to rising rates. Dr. Mona Hanna named one of USA TODAY's Women of the Year When does Isle Royale National Park reopen? Here's what to know in Michigan 'We understand that this charge increase will have an impact on our member partners, and in turn the residents of the communities we both serve," said Nicolette Bateson, chief financial officer and treasurer in a news release. "No one wants to implement charge increases," she said, noting the rate hikes were essential to "responsibly manage and maintain the regional system." GWLA has 88 member partners who provide water services to approximately 115 communities and 19 on the sewer side of the business serving 79 communities in southeast Michigan. Contact Kristi Tanner: ktanner@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GLWA approves largest rate hikes as cap expires
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GLWA considers largest rate hike in decade for infrastructure needs, rising costs
The Brief The Great Lakes Water Authority is considering a rate hike for water and sewer services. Infrastructure and high costs were mentioned as the main reasons, according to a top official with the GLWA. Some argue water rates are too high and advocates like Hydrate Detroit work to help residents pay their bills. DETROIT (FOX 2) - The biggest water and sewer rate hikes in a decade by the Great Lakes Water Authority proposing a water and sewer rate hike have residents on edge. Officials say it's needed to do business and deal with aging infrastructure - but many say they can barely afford their current water bills. "Ten years ago my circumstances were different," said Demeeko Williams. "I couldn't afford my water bill not I had a job I was working two three jobs." Big picture view A published report by the Detroit News said proposed hikes would raise wholesale water rates by 7.73 percent and sewer rates by 5.39 percent - exceeding the 4 percent cap expiring this year after a decade. Williams says rates passed down to residents made his water bills unaffordable, which is why he started Hydrate Detroit. "We provide water assistance to Detroiters who are experiencing disconnection of service," he said. "This rate increase is going to make things a lot worse. "This increase is just not warranted at this time." The GLWA provides water and sewer services to 112 communities across Southeast Michigan. Officials say the increased rates are needed. "For many years we have been able to keep our charge increases very low on the sewer side, under 2%, and on the water side under 3% for the last nine years," said Sue Coffey, CEO of the GLWA. "We do need an increase this year." The water authority says additional revenue is needed for infrastructure and rising costs. "We have experienced an awful lot of increases like chemicals, commodities and other things that people have experienced over the past few years," Coffey said. "And we need to get caught up with those when those increases occurred. We had contracts and could hold pricing. We are no longer able to do that." Officials cite examples like the recent Southwest Detroit water main break as to why they need the rate increases. "Our assets are aging and we need to improve them," Coffey said. It's unclear how much the rate hikes could be. "We're continuing to work with our board," she said. On Wednesday, the public can speak out about the proposed rate hikes at a board of directors meeting and public hearing. Officials say they want to hear from you. "I would say we understand it's a challenge," Coffey said. "But we're all in this together." What you can do The GLWA Board of Directors public hearing is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Water Board Building, 735 Randolph, Detroit 5th floor boardroom. For those who can't attend in person, the Zoom Meeting ID is 864 7166 7249 with a Pass Code of 297061 To dial in, 888-788-0099 or 878-853-5247. The Source Information for this story was taken from an interview with Sue Coffey of the GLWA and Hydrate Detroit's Demeeko Williams.
