Livonia

Under the Safe Municipal Water Act (SDWA), the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is responsible for establishing national standards for numerous substances in tap water and specifying treatment methods water systems must employ to remove these substances. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide equivalent public health protection.

Both agencies continuously monitor these substances and report directly to the USEPA when detected in the water supply. USEPA utilizes this information to verify consumers receive clean water and confirm states are enforcing water safety regulations.

Your water originates from Detroit Water, which draws from Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River, Rouge River, Ecorse River in the U.S., and portions of the Thames River, Little River, Turkey Creek, and Sydenham watersheds in Canada.

In 2004, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), and Michigan Public Health Institute to assess source water vulnerability to contamination. The susceptibility rating uses a seven-tier scale from very low to very high, primarily based on geological sensitivity, water chemistry, and contamination sources.

Our Detroit River water intakes were determined to be highly susceptible to potential contamination. However, all four Detroit treatment facilities using Detroit River source water have consistently provided adequate treatment to meet municipal water standards. GLWA has implemented source-water protection measures including chemical containment, spill response, and mercury reduction initiatives.

GLWA participates in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program and maintains an emergency response management plan. In 2015, GLWA received a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality grant to develop a source water protection program for Detroit River intakes.

The treatment facility operates continuously, processing water through multiple purification stages. The process begins with chlorine disinfection to eliminate illness-causing microorganisms. Next, Alum is added to remove fine particles causing turbidity. Fluoride is incorporated for dental health protection. The water passes through sand filtration beds to remove additional particles and chlorine-resistant organisms. Finally, a small amount of Phosphoric Acid and Chlorine are added – the phosphoric acid controls lead dissolution from household plumbing, while chlorine maintains disinfection throughout the distribution system.

Water quality is rigorously tested before treatment, during various treatment phases, and throughout the distribution network. Thousands of samples undergo testing weekly at GLWA's certified laboratory, with 20 additional samples collected monthly from locations throughout Livonia's distribution system.

Municipal water sources (including tap and bottled water) such as rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells naturally dissolve minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses

How is my water bill calculated?

Learn about the components that contribute to your monthly water bill, the tiered billing structure, and the distinction between fixed costs and variable charges: Understanding Your Bill.

What can I do to lower my water bill?

1. Sign up for H2Know and monitor your hourly water usage
2. Check for water leaks throughout your home
3. Perform a self-audit of your irrigation system
4. Learn water conservation techniques
5. Regularly check your water meter

How does the city address concerns about high water bills?

Grand Prairie Water takes customer concerns seriously and thoroughly investigates potential causes of unexpectedly high bills. We analyze usage patterns and historical trends, and check for possible leaks, billing errors, and meter issues. As promised, the City of Grand Prairie has conducted an independent audit of its water metering and billing operations. View water audit results.

Why are some bills unexpectedly high?

Higher water bills typically occur for one or more of three reasons:

• Customer used more water than usual
• Presence of undetected leaks
• Meter reading issues

The most common causes of excessive water use are irrigation systems and household leaks.

Understanding Tiered Billing Structure

Grand Prairie, like municipalities nationwide, implements a tiered water rate structure for residential customers. This approach, part of the city's State-mandated Water Conservation Plan, encourages water conservation. Customers using less water not only purchase fewer gallons but also benefit from lower rates. As consumption increases, customers pay for more gallons, and when usage exceeds 20,000 gallons monthly, the rate increases significantly. High consumption levels can quickly become expensive.

Grand Prairie purchases treated water from Dallas Water Utilities and Fort Worth Water. As the city's wholesale water purchases increase, rates rise proportionally for raw water, treatment, chemicals, infrastructure, and environmental compliance costs—in addition to any rate increases from Dallas or Fort Worth. These costs are ultimately passed to retail customers.

Water rates per 1,000 gallons (Residential):

• Lifeline (0-3,000 gallons): $0.12
• Low Tier 1 (0-20,000 gallons): $4.04
• High Tier 2 (21,000+ gallons): $7.24*

*After first 20,000 gallons at the "Lifeline" rate, each additional 1,000 gallons is charged at the Tier 2 rate.

If you believe your bill is incorrect, call us at 972-237-8200 for assistance. We'll review your account, analyze recent usage patterns, perform meter tests, and request your help in checking for leaks and conducting irrigation system audits.

What water restrictions apply in our area?

To maintain safe water supply levels and comply with wholesale water purchase agreements, these restrictions apply at all times:

• No watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• No watering on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday
• Even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays and Thursdays
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Fridays
• Water must not flow continuously into street drainage
• Watering during precipitation is prohibited
• Rain sensors are required on newer irrigation systems
• Handheld and soaker hoses are permitted anytime