DWSD Begins Search for New Director

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is actively searching for a replacement for Director Pamela Turner, who announced her retirement a few weeks ago. 

A June 24, 2010 posting on the Water Environment Federation's job bank (here) outlines the qualifications sought by the City for Ms. Turner's successor. In the interim, Deputy Director Darryl Latimer is expected to serve as Interim Director.

Update: On March 29, 2011, the Detroit City Council approved Mayor Bing's request to increase the salary range for a new Director to a maximum of $250,000 from the previous $156,000.  

Lapeer Votes to Join New Karegnondi Water Authority

Last week, the Lapeer City Commission voted to join the newly-formed Karegnondi Water Authority, which will own and operate a proposed $600 million water pipeline. Other members of the Authority are Genesee, Lapeer and Sanilac counties, as well as the cities of Flint and Lapeer. 

Comment: Lapeer's decision appears to be a reaction DWSD's annual cost increases, but the City of Lapeer has only three taps and about 5,000 users. There are reportedly only about 7,500 users among the seven members of the Greater Lapeer County Utilities Authority. (These 7,500 users are among the 4.3 million users in Southeast Michigan who rely on DWSD water and sewerage services.)  The $17,393 increased monthly assessment by DWSD works out to be $2.32 per month or about $28.00 per year per user. Not insignificant, but is it enough to justify a new $600 million pipeline and water treatment plant? The "savings" touted by Genesee County for the new pipeline  won't be realized for some 25 years.

Want more information about the Karegnondi Water Authority?

• Karegnondi Water Authority (Homepage)
• DWSD Update (Prior Posts)
  
• Peter Cavanaugh

Water and Sewer Rates to Rise Again

On June 15, 2010, the Detroit City Council narrowly approved water and sewer rate increases for the suburbs and Detroit by a 5-4 vote. For suburban customers of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the average increase ranges from 8.8 percent to 9.7 percent.  For Detroit residents, the average increase will be 8 percent, or about $3.97 more per month. The rate increases are effective July 1, 2010.