Business Details
Emergency
services
Genesee County Water & Waste Services
The Genesee County Water & Waste Division of Water & Waste Services has served the community since the enactment of the Drain Code of 1956, ensuring reliable water supply and wastewater management. Our responsibilities include constructing and maintaining drainage systems, enforcing floodplain regulations, and operating state-of-the-art treatment facilities. We deliver high-quality water sourced from Lake Huron through the Karegnondi Pipeline, treated by expert operators and rigorously tested for safety. Our team collaborates with state and federal agencies to uphold environmental standards and coordinates regional flood control initiatives. With treatment plants in Oregon Township, Linden, and Columbiaville, we provide essential services to 19 municipalities across Genesee County.We prioritize public health by issuing boil water advisories when necessary and maintaining 24/7 emergency response capabilities. Our commitment to transparency is reflected in annual reports, public notices, and accessible billing and permitting processes. Through decades of service, we have established ourselves as a trusted authority in water infrastructure and environmental compliance. Our staff conducts regular inspections, enforces pretreatment programs, and ensures adherence to the Clean Water Act. By balancing technical expertise with community engagement, we strive to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses while safeguarding natural resources.
Services
Water Treatment
Wastewater Management
Drain Maintenance
Permit Processing
Environmental Compliance
Highlights and features
- State-certified water treatment plants with expert operators
- 24/7 emergency response for watermain breaks and service disruptions
- Comprehensive compliance with Clean Water Act regulations
- Advanced pretreatment programs for industrial wastewater management
- Serving 19 municipalities with centralized billing and permitting
What people say
24/7 emergency service
Clear water quality reports
Professional staff assistance
Timely repairs
Environmental stewardship
Services
Water Treatment
Our state-of-the-art treatment plant in Oregon Township delivers high-quality drinking water sourced from Lake Huron. Expert operators use advanced filtration and testing protocols to ensure compliance with all safety standards. We distribute treated water to 19 municipalities through an extensive underground infrastructure network.
Wastewater Management
We collect and treat wastewater from residential and commercial properties across Genesee County. Our facilities employ biological treatment processes to remove contaminants before discharging treated water into local waterways. Regular sampling ensures compliance with Clean Water Act regulations.
Drain Maintenance
We construct and maintain drainage systems to prevent flooding and manage stormwater runoff. Our responsibilities include inspecting infrastructure, clearing blockages, and enforcing regulations to protect water quality in local streams and rivers.
Permit Processing
We issue permits for water and sewer connections, soil erosion control, and utility extensions. Our staff reviews construction plans, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations for both residential and commercial projects.
Environmental Compliance
We enforce industrial pretreatment programs to prevent harmful substances from entering the sewer system. Our team conducts facility inspections, collects wastewater samples, and ensures adherence to federal and state environmental protection standards.
People
Jeff Wright
Drain Commissioner
Elected official overseeing all operations of the Drain Commissioner's Office, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and drainage infrastructure management across Genesee County.
Dan Potter
Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner
Senior administrator responsible for day-to-day operations of water and waste services, coordinating emergency response teams and managing departmental staff.
Kevin VanSickle
Water Treatment Superintendent
Supervisor of the Columbiaville Water Treatment Plant, ensuring compliance with state and federal water quality standards through advanced treatment processes and rigorous testing protocols.
Mark Earl
Linden Treatment Plant Superintendent
Manages operations at the Linden wastewater treatment facility, overseeing biological treatment processes and environmental compliance for industrial pretreatment program participants.
Tim Middleton
Lapeer County Treatment Plant Supervisor
Responsible for the Montrose treatment facility, ensuring efficient wastewater processing and adherence to discharge permit requirements for local waterways.
Questions
What should I do during a boil water advisory?
Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before using for drinking, cooking, or hygiene until the advisory is lifted.
How do I report a watermain break?
Call our 24/7 emergency line at 810-762-3626 to report leaks, breaks, or service disruptions after regular business hours.
Where does our drinking water come from?
We source water from Lake Huron through the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline, treating it at our state-certified facilities before distribution.
How do I obtain a sewer connection permit?
Contact our Permits and Construction Department at 810-732-7870 to submit applications and receive plan review for water and sewer connections.
What causes water discoloration after repairs?
Temporary discoloration occurs when water flow patterns change during maintenance. Run your taps for 2-3 minutes until water clears.
How are water quality tests conducted?
We collect samples at multiple points in the system, testing for bacteria and contaminants in our certified laboratory to ensure compliance with safety standards.