Water plant, sanitary sewer project and water rates discussed
By Barb Pert Templeton
A regular item on the agenda at Marine City Commission meetings is a section that calls for reports from city administrators including City Manager Michael Reaves. At a recent meeting Reaves took time to update officials on a number of projects going on in the city.
Watermain construction project
Reaves said the project slowed for about two and a half weeks over the last month due to the cold weather but contractors have been trying to replace the residential service lines as required by the state. “In order for these to occur we need our residents to be helpful in scheduling this service when contacted, continued delays will cause additional problems to occur,” Reaves said. “You can’t avoid it, eventually the state will order us to either shut the water off or make the repairs. So, I’m asking residents to try and work with us.”
He added that water clarity may be an issue because the city has a loop water system so residents may see sediment even if work is being done at their neighbors or down the street from their own home. Reaves asked residents to run their water for a bit to remove the sediment from their lines.
“Any needed work to restore your property – cement, grass or fixtures – will be done when those repairs are completed towards the end of the project,” Reaves said.
Phase III of the watermain construction project, which will take place between the two rivers, north of M-29 and Broadway, has begun but he noted that the weather pushed that start date back nearly a week and is subject to change, again based on the weather.
A notice on the City of Marine City Facebook page on Feb. 13 noted that work on the Safe Drinking Water Project is continuing in the city with the next phase of construction east of the Belle River.
The last area to be completed in the fall, after Labor Day will include Water Street and the South Market Street area.
Water line breaks
In addition to the water construction project, Reaves noted that because of the severe weather swings and extended significant cold, residents are advised to make sure their water pipes are insulated and kept warm in a safe way.
“Exposed piping has led to multiple water line breaks in many homes, these issues are the responsibility of the homeowner and if you have questions please contact or DPW for assistance or direction,” Reaves said.
Other water related projects in 2026
The city will be working on other water related projects in 2026. A sanitary storm system repair project will be ongoing and will allow the city to make emergency repairs while the city streets have been excavated instead of after the streets have been repaved during the water construction project. A renovation of the water plant is also going on during the water main construction project in 2026. This facility requires special equipment and expertise and a significant overall of the building and its components which will be ongoing throughout the year.
Later this year, Reaves said the city will use about $8,310,000 in loan money to complete infrastructure issues for the waste water treatment plant to increase its capabilities.
Water and sewer rates
Reaves also touched on water and sewer rates and water meter information for residents.
“Any needed work to restore your property – cement, grass or fixtures – will be done when those repairs are completed towards the end of the project.”
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves, talking about the ongoing watermain construction project in the city.
He said the city has done an extensive review of water and sewer rates over the last year, the process was discussed in several meetings including a townhall with presentations.
“All the information, reasons why this was needed, how the rates were determined and available help resources are available for review on the city’s website,” Reaves said. “Please be considerate of our staff as they provide service or answers to your questions; no one including us is happy with these increased costs, but it’s no different than we would blame a grocery clerk for the cost incurred for the purchase of a meat roast as they are not responsible for setting the prices for the increase, so please be patient with our staff as they try to provide that service.”A regular item on the agenda at Marine City Commission meetings is a section that calls for reports from city administrators including City Manager Michael Reaves. At a recent meeting Reaves took time to update officials on a number of projects going on in the city.
Watermain construction project
Reaves said the project slowed for about two and a half weeks over the last month due to the cold weather but contractors have been trying to replace the residential service lines as required by the state. “In order for these to occur we need our residents to be helpful in scheduling this service when contacted, continued delays will cause additional problems to occur,” Reaves said. “You can’t avoid it, eventually the state will order us to either shut the water off or make the repairs. So, I’m asking residents to try and work with us.”
He added that water clarity may be an issue because the city has a loop water system so residents may see sediment even if work is being done at their neighbors or down the street from their own home. Reaves asked residents to run their water for a bit to remove the sediment from their lines.
“Any needed work to restore your property – cement, grass or fixtures – will be done when those repairs are completed towards the end of the project,” Reaves said.
Phase III of the watermain construction project, which will take place between the two rivers, north of M-29 and Broadway, has begun but he noted that the weather pushed that start date back nearly a week and is subject to change, again based on the weather.
The last area to be completed in the fall, after Labor Day will include Water Street and the South Market Street area.
Water line breaks
In addition to the water construction project, Reaves noted that because of the severe weather swings and extended significant cold, residents are advised to make sure their water pipes are insulated and kept warm in a safe way.
“Exposed piping has led to multiple water line breaks in many homes, these issues are the responsibility of the homeowner and if you have questions please contact or DPW for assistance or direction,” Reaves said.
Other water related projects in 2026
The city will be working on other water related projects in 2026. A sanitary storm system repair project will be ongoing and will allow the city to make emergency repairs while the city streets have been excavated instead of after the streets have been repaved during the water construction project. A renovation of the water plant is also going on during the water main construction project in 2026. This facility requires special equipment and expertise and a significant overall of the building and its components which will be ongoing throughout the year.
Later this year, Reaves said the city will use about $8,310,000 in loan money to complete infrastructure issues for the waste water treatment plant to increase its capabilities.
Water and sewer rates
Reaves also touched on water and sewer rates and water meter information for residents.
He said the city has done an extensive review of water and sewer rates over the last year, the process was discussed in several meetings including a townhall with presentations.
“All the information, reasons why this was needed, how the rates were determined and available help resources are available for review on the city’s website,” Reaves said. “Please be considerate of our staff as they provide service or answers to your questions; no one including us is happy with these increased costs, but it’s no different than we would blame a grocery clerk for the cost incurred for the purchase of a meat roast as they are not responsible for setting the prices for the increase, so please be patient with our staff as they try to provide that service.”
