The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is a regional water and sewer authority that services nearly 40 percent of the water customers in Michigan. On June 12, 2015, history was made as the Great Lakes Water Authority and the City of Detroit entered into 40-year leases providing for GLWA’s operation of the regional water and sewer system. On January 1, 2016, GLWA began regional operations.  GLWA is an important example of regional collaboration in southeast Michigan, with the City of Detroit, the counties of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb, and the State of Michigan officially uniting to ensure that both city and suburban water and sewer customers have a powerful voice in the direction of one of largest water and wastewater utilities in the United States.

Currently GLWA provides wholesale water and waste water services to 127 municipalities in eight Southeastern Michigan counties, which is equivalent to approximately 3.9 million customers.

Our Vision

Through regional collaboration, GLWA strives to be the provider of choice dedicated to efficiently delivering the nation’s best water and sewer services in partnership with our customers.

Our Mission

To exceed our customers’ expectations by utilizing best practices in the treatment and transmission of water and wastewater, while promoting healthy communities and economic growth.