Detroit Water is Leased to GLWA
Municipal leaders from three counties of southeast Michigan agreed to allow Detroit to lease its water system to the newly formed GLWA – Great Lakes Water Authority.
For years the surrounding counties – Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb – have been buying their water from the city. They’ve long complained they didn’t get enough say over their rates or big decisions about the system.
This deal will, at least in theory, give suburbanites more direct power over the system, and (they hope) lower rates in the long run.
In exchange, the authority will pay Detroit $50 million a year in lease payments.
And it will set up a $4.5 million regional water assistance fund for low-income customers behind on their bills.[ref]Detroit, suburbs reach water deal, Michigan Public Radio, June 12, 2015[/ref]