City of Fraser

The 2017 Consumer Annual Report on Water Quality for the City of Fraser demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, high-quality water to our community. This report outlines our water sources, quality testing results, and important health information.

Fraser receives its water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), using a combination of water from Lake Huron Plant and the Northeast Plant (Detroit Lake Plant). The City of Fraser maintains the network of water mains that deliver this water to your home's service line.

Our water professionals, in partnership with GLWA, consistently meet or exceed state and federal water quality standards, including the Lead and Copper Rule. We remain dedicated to protecting public health and maintaining transparent communication with all residents about our municipal water.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT
Your water comes from the lower Lake Huron watershed, which includes numerous short, seasonal streams flowing into Lake Huron. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality partnered with other agencies to conduct a source water assessment. The Lake Huron water intake received a "moderately low" susceptibility rating for potential contamination. The water treatment plant has consistently provided effective treatment to meet drinking water standards.

In 2015, GLWA received a grant to develop a comprehensive source water protection program for the Lake Huron treatment plant intake. This program includes seven key components: government and agency roles, source water protection area delineation, potential contamination identification, management strategies, contingency planning, new source siting protocols, and public education initiatives.

Detroit River Plant
The Detroit River source 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., plus portions of several Canadian watersheds. The 2004 source water assessment rated this intake as "highly susceptible" to potential contamination. However, all Detroit treatment plants using this source have historically provided satisfactory treatment to meet standards.

GLWA has implemented several source water protection measures including chemical containment, spill response protocols, and a mercury reduction program. The authority actively participates in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program and maintains a comprehensive emergency response management plan.

When is my water meter read?
Meters are read quarterly, or four times per year. Our technicians now utilize advanced electronic readers to ensure accuracy in all measurements.

Why is my bill so high?
Plainfield residents often question their water bills. Remember that quarterly bills reflect usage from the previous three months. A fall bill contains summer usage patterns, when many homeowners forget how frequently they watered their lawns and gardens.

What makes my bill increase dramatically?
Irrigation systems significantly impact water bills. A typical sprinkler head uses up to 2 gallons per minute. A system with 20 heads running for 20 minutes daily consumes approximately 24,000 gallons monthly or 72,000 gallons per quarterly billing period. To monitor usage, take meter readings before and after a watering cycle to track exact consumption.

How do slow leaks affect my bill?
Even a slow drip can add 15-20 gallons daily to your water usage. Your water meter serves as the best tool for detecting significant leaks. To check, ensure no water is being used anywhere in your home, then monitor the meter dial for about 15 minutes. If it remains stationary, your plumbing is relatively leak-free. Movement indicates potential issues with fixtures, faucets, or toilets. To calculate consumption between readings, subtract the previous bill's reading from your current meter reading, using the numbers in the thousand digits on the white background.