Great progress occurred over the last year that will impact our region for years to come. We have begun large construction projects that will help prevent sanitary and combined sewer overflows into our waterways and thus reduce pollution in our lakes and streams. We have made changes that will save ratepayers money through shared services and more efficient use of infrastructure in the county. This year also saw the final touches put on the new regional water entity called the Great Lakes Water Authority. Such efforts lead the region to a more efficient and effective water and sewer system that is sustainable and cost effective.
I am most proud of our increased efforts toward collaboration and cooperation with our local communities as well as our neighboring counties. Working together with good communication is always the best way of doing things and making progress.
Our third annual Stormwater Summit was held in Southfield at Lawrence Technological University and was again a success. This event brings stakeholders and industry professionals from across the region together to share ideas on stormwater management and the water quality challenges we face. As a result, we are coordinating a regional effort to develop greener measures to assist communities with a more sustainable, smarter, and less expensive water quality future.
The Walled Lake-Novi Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Commerce Township plant, both operated by our crews, continue to win awards year after year and make me proud of the exceptional job done by our dedicated staff.
We have increased our public outreach, education programs and support of environmental efforts through town halls, social marketing, and media outreach. I’ve held events such as town hall meetings and public forums in every part of Oakland County to discuss water quality, oil and gas drilling, stormwater mitigation and new construction projects. We work diligently to protect our precious water resources in Michigan understanding that we are all connected through water.
Jim Nash
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner