HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – The battle between the city of Highland Park and the Great Lakes Water Authority has hit a critical crossroad.
The city said it simply doesn’t have the money to pay its annual bill.
A consistent refrain from the city for nearly 30 years and just so the 9,000 or so residents don’t get alarmed tonight -- no your water isn’t going to be turned off on you and no your rates aren’t going to skyrocket as a result of this.
Previous coverage: Michigan Supreme Court says Highland Park must pay unpaid water, sewer bills
But that doesn’t mean you should stop paying your bills either.
“No matter how much you pay down, you get the next bill, it’s still high again,” said Highland Park resident Shannon Stuckey.
Drone 4 shows us how Highland Park’s money problems are probably best understood in this one picture-- its shuttered water department plant.
It’s not been used in years, closed because of poor water quality. It’s falling apart and the city owes millions it cannot repay to the great lakes water authority.
Below is a statement from GLWA:
“As we have maintained throughout this litigation, an examination of the merits of the case clearly indicates that the city of Highland Park is obligated to pay and is deficient in paying for the water and sewer services it receives from Detroit and now, GLWA. This decision reaffirms that Highland Park has the same obligation to pay as the other member partners in the regional system. Once the judgment is paid, GLWA will reimburse the other member partners that have incurred additional charges for the city of Highland Park’s non-payment,” said Randal Brown, GLWA General Counsel.
If a long-term resolution is reached, addressing the city of Highland Park’s local water and sewer infrastructure will be an important component. Highland Park’s own 2021 Leak Survey Report identified 24 water leaks, resulting in 1.289 million gallons per day or 896 gallons per minute leaking from Highland Park’s water distribution system and, ultimately, back into the combined sewers. For some perspective on these daily water losses, for every gallon of water consumed by a Highland Park resident, two gallons leak out of Highland Park’s water system. GLWA supports the use of infrastructure grant dollars to improve the city of Highland Park’s water and sewer systems.”
Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA)
More on this story: Judge: Highland Park must repay debt to Great Lakes Water Authority