City of Detroit

How Water Services Are Delivered

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) treats and distributes municipal water for our community. Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) manages over 2,700 miles of water mains throughout the city that carry water to your property service line.

The system draws source water from three locations. Two intakes are positioned along the Detroit River - one near the Lake St. Clair inlet, and another closer to Lake Erie. The third intake draws from Lake Huron.

Since 2016, GLWA has operated five water treatment facilities. Four of these plants process water from the Detroit River intakes, serving Detroit residents. The fifth plant in St. Clair County treats water from Lake Huron.

Source Water Protection

Your water comes from the Detroit River within the Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River, Rouge River, and Ecorse River watersheds in the U.S., along with portions of Canadian watersheds. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducted a source water assessment with the U.S. Geological Survey, DWSD, and Michigan Public Health Institute.

The susceptibility assessment uses a seven-tier scale from "very low" to "very high" based on geological factors, water chemistry, and contamination sources. The Detroit River intakes were classified as highly susceptible to potential contamination, though all Detroit water treatment plants have historically provided effective treatment meeting drinking standards.

GLWA has implemented protection activities including chemical containment, spill response protocols, and a mercury reduction program. In 2016, MDEQ approved GLWA's Surface Water Intake Protection Program plan covering seven key elements: governmental roles, protection area delineation, contaminant source identification, management strategies, contingency planning, new source siting, and public participation.

Chemicals in Source Water

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials or substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals, either naturally occurring or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. The FDA establishes similar limits for bottled water. Small amounts of certain contaminants may reasonably be expected in drinking water, including bottled water, without necessarily indicating a health risk.

1. What are the operating hours of the administrative office? The administration office operates Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for all inquiries and reservations.
2. Are pets permitted in the parks? Dogs are welcome in most parks if they are leashed, have current vaccinations, and remain under owner control. Owners must clean up after their pets. Dogs are prohibited on sports fields, golf courses, and other designated areas. An off-leash Dog Park is available at Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
3. Do you offer picnic shelters in the parks system for events or meetings? Yes, we maintain nine different picnic shelters throughout our parks system. These outdoor facilities are located in Thomas Bull Memorial Park (4), Algonquin Park, Winding Hills Park, Warwick County Park, Cronomer Hill Park (near the observation tower), and D&H Canal Park. Each shelter features charcoal grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and nearby playgrounds and playing fields. Reservation fees vary by location and capacity. Maximum capacity ranges from 48 to 600+ people depending on the facility. Call (845) 615-3830 for information or reservations.
4. Are indoor facilities available for rental in the parks system? Yes, we offer six different indoor venues for events and meetings. Two Golf Courses provide full-service banquet facilities, and four additional indoor facilities are situated throughout the County. Most indoor spaces include tables, chairs, restrooms, kitchen facilities, and access to our local park amenities. Reservation fees vary by location and capacity. Maximum capacity ranges from 48 to 140 people depending on the facility. Call (845) 615-3830 for details or reservations.
5. How do I reserve a picnic shelter or building? Reservations are required for all facilities and can be made by calling (845) 615-3830. You may book up to one year in advance, with full payment due 60 days before your rental date. Some rentals may require proof of insurance.

Reservation Process:

• Call or visit the Parks Department to check availability for your requested date(s)
• If available, complete the department reservation form
• Review and sign the permit when received
• Submit full payment at least 60 days before your reserved date
• Obtain insurance if required

Information needed when making a reservation:

• Preferred park/facility location
• Requested time frame (no later than 9 pm)
• Alternative dates
• Contact information (name, address, organization if applicable, phone number)
• Group size and event type
• Equipment needs (tables, chairs for indoor facilities)
• Special elements (tents, alcoholic beverages, caterers, DJs, special setup requirements)

For additional information, please visit our Policies and Procedures – Rentals and Fee Structure pages.

Are fishing facilities available in the County Parks System?

Fishing is available at these parks:

• Winding Hills Park (Montgomery, NY): Features a 40-acre lake and 4-acre pond for fishing at no charge. Shore fishing or electric-powered boats are permitted on the lake. Life jackets required for all boaters. Equipment and bait not provided. Fishing licenses required per NY State Law. Ice fishing allowed when conditions are safe (signs posted). See Boathouse for complete rules.
• Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point (New Windsor, NY): Located on the Hudson River with 102 acres featuring spectacular Hudson Valley gorge views and 2,000 feet of sandy riverfront. Car-top boating and fishing available. Fishing licenses required per NY State Law.
• Algonquin Park (Newburgh, NY): Pond located off Powder Mill Road and Route 52 in Newburgh, stocked annually. Fishing licenses required per NY State Law.