Information about the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Working around the clock to provide excellence in water and sewer service!

http://www.dwsd.org/downloads_n/about_dwsd/fact_sheet/dwsd_fact_sheet.pdf

• One of the largest systems in the nation, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has a rich history in public utility service dating back to the early 1800s - beginning with a water system of wooden logs and the "Grand Sewer" made up of brick and stone.

• DWSD provides water service to the entire city in Detroit and neighboring southeastern Michigan communities throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Washtenaw and Monroe counties. The 1,079-square-mile water service area, which includes Detroit and 127 suburban communities, makes up approximately 40 percent of the state's population. Wastewater service is also provided to a 946-square-mile area that encompasses Detroit and 76 neighboring communities.

• The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is a branch of the City of Detroit government. The Department is governed by a seven-member Board of Water Commissioners whose members are appointed by the Mayor. Four commissioners, by City Charter requirements, represent Detroit residents. Three remaining commissioners represent suburban wholesale customers with appointees from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Board meeting times and locations are posted on the Department's website at www.dwsd.org. Click on the About DWSD button for the DWSD Board of Water Commissioners Meeting Calendar.

• DWSD's water supply system is one of the largest in the nation both in terms of water produced and population served. The water system draws fresh water from the Great Lakes System, with Lake Huron to the north and the Detroit River to the south. Hardness levels for treated drinking water vary depending on the time of the year, averaging 105 parts per million or 6.1 grains per gallon. DWSD's water network consists of 3,438 miles of transmission and distribution mains within the City of Detroit, and 402 miles of transmission mains in the remaining service area. DWSD's five water treatment plants pump an average of 610 million gallons of clean drinking water each day. The Department is responsible for maintenance and repair of 27,244 fire hydrants in the city.

• DWSD's sewer system originated in 1836, and today consists of 10 pump stations, six combined sewer overflow retention treatment basins, three screening and disinfection facilities and a total of 3,433 miles of sewer lines that carry rainwater and wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant — one of the largest single-site wastewater treatment facilities in the country. This facility treats an average of 710 million gallons of flow per day.

• The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, with 1,759 employees, has combined water and sewerage rates lower than most American cities, including Midwestern cities like Chicago, Columbus, and Indianapolis. By law, DWSD can only recover the cost for provision of service — it cannot make a profit. For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013/2014 the Department has an annual operating budget of approximately $380,652,594 million.

• By Michigan statute, DWSD is a not-for-profit entity. Water and sewer rates are based on cost of service only and the Department receives no subsidies from property taxes.