Mayor Recommends City of Flint Stay with Great Lakes Water Authority as Primary Water Source

Urges residents to attend town hall meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church to weigh in on suggested plan

April 18, 2017 (FLINT) — Mayor Karen Weaver stood with officials from the City of Flint, State of Michigan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Water Authority, Genesee County Drain Commission and Karegnondi Water Authority today at City Hall as she announced her recommendation that Flint stay with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) as its primary source of water and utilize Genesee County as a secondary water source.

“After months of research, analyzation and collaboration, I believe staying with GLWA as the city’s primary water source is the best option when you consider factors related to public health and when it comes to being fiscally responsible,” said Weaver.  “But, I also think it’s important to hear from the citizens of Flint and get their feedback on the suggested plan before a permanent decision is made, that is why I’m hosting a town hall meeting this Thursday at 5:30 p.m.”

The town hall meeting Thursday, will take place at House of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church located at 1851 W. Carpenter Rd. in Flint. Officials from various agencies will be on hand to answer questions from residents and provide further details about all the water source options considered and why City officials think staying with GLWA is the best option for Flint. The town hall is part of a 30-day public participation period to get feedback from residents. ​In addition to the town hall meeting, residents can submit questions and comments regarding the mayor’s recommendation to city officials via email at: [email protected].

Weaver noted some of the factors taken into consideration during her announcement Tuesday. She said public health was at the very top of the list.

“Continuing with GLWA means Flint would not have to switch water sources again,” Weaver said. “This will help protect residents from any issues that could occur and it would eliminate the fears or anxieties people may have about another major change taking place with our water.”

Mayor Weaver also stated the importance of being fiscally responsible and said continuing with GLWA has some cost-saving benefits for the City.

“Sticking with GLWA allows us to use federal dollars from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund Program to update the city’s damaged water distribution system which is aging and deteriorating,” Weaver stated. “This option would also result in the 72-inch transmission line being returned to the city, and residents would also gain access to a low income assistance program to help pay their water bills. While Flint remains ultimately responsible for its 28-year, $7 million average annual bond obligation to the Karegnondi Water Authority, the burden of that debt service will be offset by contract credits Flint will receive based upon transfer of its raw water rights to GLWA.”

City officials also stated continuing with GLWA maintains a known and approved water supply. They said reaching the tentative agreement was a true collaborative effort between the City, County, and State, along with GLWA and KWA to ensure that Flint residents have access to clean, affordable drinking water.

“This plan is a win for every partner involved including the residents of Flint,” Weaver added.

Click below to see all the water source options considered by officials and how they ranked:
City of Flint-Water-Supply-Option-Ranking