City of Flint

Your municipal water originates from the Lower Lake Huron watershed, which consists of numerous seasonal streams flowing into Lake Huron. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality partnered with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and other agencies to conduct a source water assessment, rating susceptibility on a seven-tier scale from "very low" to "very high" based on geological sensitivity, water chemistry, and contamination sources.

The Lake Huron water intake received a "moderately low" susceptibility rating. Historically, the Lake Huron treatment plant has effectively treated this source water to meet drinking water standards. In 2016, GLWA voluntarily developed and received approval for a source water protection program (SWIPP) for the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant intake, which includes seven key elements:

• Roles and responsibilities of government units and water supply agencies
• Delineation of the source water protection area
• Identification of potential contamination sources
• Management strategies for protection
• Contingency plans
• New source siting procedures
• Public participation and education

For more information about the Source Water Assessment or SWIPP, contact your water department at (810) 787-6537.

All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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 can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Possible contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA sets regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish limits for bottled water, providing the same public health protection.

Some people may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly, and infants may face higher infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers about drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. When is my water bill due?
   Water payments are due on the 23rd of each month.
2. Am I responsible for paying my water bill if I don't receive it?
   Yes, water bills are bulk-mailed from Regional Water's office on the 3rd of each month. If you don't receive your bill, contact our billing department at (281) 897-9100 for your current account balance.
3. What payment methods are available?
   You can pay in person at our office between 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday, mail your payment in the return envelope, or use electronic methods including credit card, Western Union convenience pay, check by phone, online check payments, or bank drafting (ACH). Visit our website for more details on transaction fees.
4. Are there fees for late payments?
   Yes, a 10% late fee is applied to unpaid balances on the 24th of each month. Additionally, an $8.00 delinquent letter fee will be assessed and your account may be scheduled for service termination.
5. How will I know if my service is scheduled for termination?
   You'll be notified through: your current water bill showing past due balance with a termination message; a mailed delinquent letter stating the amount owed, payment deadline, and termination date; and a door hanger posted at your service address.
6. How can I avoid water service termination?
   To prevent termination, payment must be received at Regional Water's office before the termination date. If using electronic payment, full payment must be made by Monday of the termination week.
7. When will service be restored after disconnection?
   Service will be restored once the full account balance and fees are paid. For same-day reconnection, payment must be made in person at Regional Water's office. Electronic payments will result in service restoration the following business day after payment verification.
8. What's the process for reinstalling a removed water meter?
   The meter will be reinstalled the next business day after all amounts are paid in full. Same-day reinstatement requires payment of all outstanding fees plus an additional $100 fee received at the operator's office by 4:00 p.m.
9. When will my security deposit be refunded?
   Upon service termination, your security deposit will be applied to any unpaid balance, with excess refunded. No interest is paid on deposits.
10. Why is my water bill unusually high?
    High water bills typically result from increased usage but may also be caused by other factors such as leaks or meter issues.