Politics & Government
Township to Take $16,900 Look at Improving Water Pressure, Rates in Macomb
A recently approved study will explore the township's options to improve water distribution to higher elevation areas in Macomb Township.
Residents living in northwest Macomb Township have historically dealt with low water pressure in the summer. A study, approved by the Board of Trustees last week, will examine the best ways to improve water distribution to the areas of higher elevation.
The elevation change from one end of the township to the other is approximately 40 feet.
The study is expected to cost $16,900 and be completed by the end of January. Depending on the results, the township's options include constructing a water booster station, a storage reservoir, or a new connection with the Detroit Water and Sewer Department.
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Township Engineer James Van Tiflin said that improving the problem will not only help with water pressure, it may also lower water and sewer rates.
residents pay for water and sewer service. The new rate is $2.75 per unit (a unit is about 100 cubic feet or 750 gallons) for for water and $2.62 per unit for sewer. Previously, residents paid $2.51 for water and $2.32 for sewer.
Find out what's happening in Macomb Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We need to evaluate it (the pressure problem) so we can find out what exactly we can expect for a return on investment in regards to controlling the peak hours. I’m glad to see this go through,” said Clerk Michael Koehs.
Supervisor Mark Grabow mentioned the safety issues associated with low water pressure. “When that water (pressure) starts to drop, we actually start to worry about our fire protection services in that area. I think it will be a good study and improve the operations and capabilities of the township,” he said.
