Great Lakes Water Authority proposes rate hikes amid infrastructure concerns

The proposed increases aim to address aging water infrastructure and rising costs.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), which serves nearly half of Michigan's population including Flint, has proposed a 6.83% increase for water and a 5.98% increase for sewer services. GLWA cites the need to fund upgrades to aging water infrastructure, particularly to address water main breaks. Flint Councilwoman Tonya Burns expressed understanding of residents' frustrations over the proposed hikes, noting Flint's water bills are already high due to infrastructure built for a larger population.

Why it matters

The proposed rate hikes by the GLWA highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining and upgrading aging water infrastructure across the region. This is a particular concern for cities like Flint, which has struggled with water quality issues and high costs due to its shrinking population and outdated water system.

The details

The GLWA has proposed the rate increases to take effect on July 1, citing the need to address capital, operating, and labor costs. The authority has consistently increased water rates since 2018, with past benchmarks remaining below 4% for water and 2.02% for sewer. GLWA leadership emphasized the necessity of the rate hike to fund upgrades to the aging water infrastructure, particularly to address water main breaks.

  • The proposed changes would take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • The GLWA board has moved the proposed rate changes to an audit meeting scheduled for Friday, February 25, 2026.
  • A public hearing on the proposed rate hikes is set for February 25, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA)

A regional water authority that serves nearly half of Michigan's population, including the city of Flint, which relies on GLWA as its primary water supplier.

Tonya Burns

A Flint city councilwoman who expressed understanding of residents' frustrations over the proposed rate hikes.

Flint city administration

The city administration stated there are no immediate plans to raise water rates for Flint customers, and they are doing everything they can to keep rates stable and unaffected by actions from GLWA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I understand that they can't afford it, because I can't. And when we look at how other municipalities and how high Flint's rates are compared across the country that it is an atrocity for the amount that we're paying.”

— Tonya Burns, Flint Councilwoman

What’s next

The GLWA board will hold an audit meeting on Friday, February 25, 2026 to discuss the proposed rate changes, followed by a public hearing on the same day.

The takeaway

The proposed rate hikes by the GLWA underscore the ongoing challenges of maintaining and upgrading aging water infrastructure across the region, particularly in cities like Flint that have struggled with water quality issues and high costs due to shrinking populations and outdated systems. The public hearing on February 25th will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and for the GLWA to address the need for these rate increases.