Flint residents invited to speak at public hearing on proposed water rate increases

Photo by vhope on Pixabay

By Tanya Terry

Flint is known for having significantly higher-than-average water rates, with residents paying some of the highest water bills in the nation, even after the Flint Water Crisis. Some of the reasons this problem exists are Flint’s aging infrastructure requiring costly maintenance and upgrades and Flint’s population decline leading to a smaller customer base, increasing per capita costs. Additionally, Flint customers are still indirectly paying for th Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA) pipeline debt as Genesee County had guaranteed $220 million in KWA bonds.

But, Flint is under contract with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) until 2030 because of a contract that was signed in 2014. So, Flint’s primary water supplier is the Great Lakes Water Authority, which is what the Detroit water system is now called.  The City of Flint will use Genesee County water as a backup supply of water, and both GLWA and Genesee County get their water from Lake Huron.

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) raised water rates 5.9% in 2025. GLWA also has proposed to raise water rates 6.83% in 2026,  driven by aging infrastructure, rising operating costs and lower investment returns.

GLWA has scheduled a public hearing and vote on proposed rate increases for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25. The hearing will take plae at the Water Board Building (5th Floor), 735 Randolph, Detroit, MI.

This is an opportunity for Flint residents’ voices to be heard. All who are able to attend and participate are being encouraged to do so!