The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) provides drinking water to 126 communities and nearly 4 million people.  Delivering water that meets the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements is a commitment that GLWA and its customer communities take very seriously. Ensuring water treatment standards are met is a daily routine. We achieve this by following the strict GLWA regulations as well as internal community standards that raise the bar on water quality.

How does this process work?

The testing and monitoring process begins when source water is introduced into the treatment plant.  As the water is moved through the treatment process it is continually monitored and then tested again as it leaves the treatment plant.  The water is tested as it travels through the distribution system to the various communities that it serves and finally at various locations inside of each community.

To assure water quality is satisfactory, GLWA performs weekly bacteriological sampling at various sites throughout Auburn Hills. The Auburn Hills Water and Sewer division has a sampling schedule to test for:

• lead and copper
• disinfection byproducts
• unregulated contaminants 

We also have a cross-system control connection program to ensure that outside water does not make its way into the distribution.

These processes and procedures are in place to ensure that we continue to give our residents receive safe, reliable, and quality water.

Mark Michling, Manager of Public Utilities