F.A.Q.
| Q: | Why are we considering building a new pipeline? |
| A: | Each community is on a year-to-year contract with DWSD. DWSD will not build a second feed to our area without a new 30-year contract. Before signing a 30-year contract, each community needs to determine which is the most reliabl, cost effective, and provide the greatet flexibility for economic development of the region. A second pipeline will be built and paid for by the water customers of the region. THe real question is who is going to build it, control it, own it and set the rates? |
| Q: | By joining the group, do we lose control of our system? |
| A: | No, in fact your control over water and its cost will increase. Currently, you purchase finished water from DWSD with no input as to the cost. As a member of the group, you will purchase raw water and treat it to your own standards. As a member, you will participate in establishing the cost and rates for the water. |
| Q: | Why not use the Flint River and our existing treatment plant? |
| A: | Your study concluded that: a. Flint River can provide water to FLint or the county, not both. b. The construction of pipeline is cheaper than the cost to treat Flint River water. c. By using raw water, your treatment plant can be activated at a lower cost. d. Regulations call for communities to access the best available source - we believe this is Lake Huron. |
| Q: | What is this going to cost? |
| A: | The study projects that staying with DWSD will cost our region $2.1 billion over the next 25 years. By building our own pipeline, our cost would be $1.9 billion over the same period. After the initial 25-year period, our cost would be less than 25% that the projected cost of water form DWSD. |
| Q: | Will our separation result in a loss of water to the Great Lakes? |
| A: | Genesee County, on behalf of the study group, the cities of Flint and Lapeer, counties of Genesee and Lapeer, applied for a new water withdrawal from MDEQ, in accordance with the Great Lakes Compact. The withdrawal constitutes an inter-basin use and we are not diverting any water out of Lake Huron. All water is used and returned to the lake. Additionally, any increase in our use will result in a net decrease by the DWSD system but will not have an impact on Lake Huron. |
| Q: | Is this decision final? |
| A: | No. Each community will appoint representatives to participate in drafting an intergovernmental agreement, which will be brought back to each council/board for consideration and adoption. |