Projects
See GLWA’s ongoing investments that strengthen infrastructure and support regional growth.
Resiliency
At GLWA, resiliency equals toughness. Toughness is how well the organization is prepared to prevent disruptions in the system and then recover from them as quickly as possible to minimize negative impacts on the people the Authority serves.
Protecting
Our Water
GLWA operationalizes resiliency by developing operational contingency plans and emergency response plans, using a unified command structure, partnering with critical vendors, ensuring access to essential materials and supplies, coordinating regionally, and intentionally integrating lessons learned from each event and disruption.
These resiliency efforts are essential to protecting public health and the environment, while ensuring service to Member Partner communities throughout southeast Michigan.
14
Projects in progress improving system infrastructure.
7
Recommendations have been completed in under 2 years.
3
Projects completed improving regional flood management.
A Study in climate resiliency
In 2023, GLWA received programmatic authorization under the Water Resources Development Act for a Southeast Michigan Climate Resiliency Mitigation Study to be conducted in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps). The study will evaluate the following to help inform how best to address the long-term effects of climate change.
- Implementation of Wastewater Storage
- Use of Pumping Stations
- Strategic Sewer Separation
- Engage Federal Agencies
STEWARDING OUR WATER
Water connects every home, neighborhood, and community we serve. Stewarding it means understanding the complex systems that protect it—and making that knowledge accessible to everyone. By learning how our water works, we strengthen trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Together, we care for what sustains us today and safeguard it for generations to come.
Become a Research
Partner
GLWA partners with universities, research organizations, and other water and wastewater utilities across the country to conduct research projects pertaining to the sector. By joining forces with other organizations, our research team is working to promote resiliency, collaboration, and innovation.
“I see GLWA not only as the regional water/sewer system operator, but as a hub for effective coordination, planning, data sharing, and emergency response. The One Water Partnership is the voice of that hub. Bringing member partners together, quarterly, to discuss and collaborate on issues that affect our shared water resources and long-term community resilience.”
Michael Way
Public Works Director, Grosse Pointe Shores, GLWA One Water Co-Chair
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ABOUT RESILIENCY
Behind every tap is a complex system working around the clock. We’re here to make that system easier to understand, so together we can make informed decisions and care for our ourselves, our communities, and future generations.
