Garden City

Introduction: Municipal Water Quality in Garden City

Water quality is essential to our community's wellbeing. Garden City and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) are fully committed to meeting state and federal water quality standards, including the Lead and Copper Rule. With the Great Lakes as our water source and proven treatment technologies, GLWA consistently delivers safe water to our residents.

Garden City maintains the network of water mains that bring this water to your home's service line. This year's Water Quality Report demonstrates the dedication of GLWA and Garden City water professionals in providing some of the nation's best municipal water. Together, we remain committed to protecting public health and maintaining open communication with residents.

Water Source and Treatment

Our water is purchased from Detroit, which draws surface water from the Detroit River. The source originates from Lake St. Clair and watersheds across the U.S. and Canada. This water is processed at the Springwells and Southwest treatment plants. In 2004, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality collaborated with Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to assess source water contamination risks. The Detroit River intakes were determined to be highly susceptible to potential contaminants, but all four Detroit water treatment facilities have historically provided adequate treatment to meet standards.

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has implemented source-water protection activities including chemical containment, spill response, and mercury reduction. GLWA participates in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program and maintains an emergency response plan.

Distribution System

Treated water enters Garden City at approximately 1.89 million gallons daily through one of four connections to the Great Lakes Water Authority. From there, it travels through our 128 miles of water mains to around 12,000 service connections throughout our system.

Water Quality Monitoring

The Garden City Water Department continuously monitors your water for contaminants, including lead, according to federal and local regulations. All water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of some constituents. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Lead Awareness

The water GLWA delivers to our community is lead-free. Lead can enter water through home plumbing fixtures and, in some cases, customer service lines. Corrosion control reduces this risk by adding orthophosphates during treatment, creating a protective coating in service lines throughout the system.

Garden City performs required lead and copper sampling and testing in our community. Water consumers can also take steps to limit their exposure. If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. When water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

Common Water Quality Questions

Why is my water cloudy? This is typically due to air suspended in the water, often caused by pressure changes in the water main from breaks, hydrant use, or supply pressure changes.

Why is my water reddish or brown? This may be due to pipes in the street or your home rusting, or your hot water tank deteriorating. Iron, a harmless substance, can dissolve in water causing discoloration.

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