The Great Lakes Water Authority approved rate hikes of 5.9% for water and 4.5% for sewerage for dozens of Southeast Michigan communities that it provides utility service to, according to a press release from the agency.

The Great Lakes Water Authority's chief financial officer said lower rate hikes mean it'll set aside $2.2 million less for capital improvements.

The increases are tied to current and new infrastructure projects, including corrosion control in pipelines owned by local cities and a massive study on flood mitigation in Southeast Michigan.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover new water rates, upcoming road closures, proposed legislation for transfer students and more.

The Great Lakes Water Authority just approved its biggest-ever rate increase for water and sewer services. The increase announced on Wednesday (Feb. 26) will be 5.9% for water and 4.5% for sewer. That’s less than the original proposal of 7.73% for water and 5.39% for sewer service.

The Great Lakes Water Authority that serves 112 communities across eight counties in southeast Michigan originally proposed increasing its wholesale water rates by an average of 7.73% and sewer

On Wednesday afternoon, board members will consider a proposal to increase water rates by an average of 7.73% and sewer rates by 5.39% for FY 2026.

After a lengthy public meeting, the Great Lakes Water Authority approved new water and sewer system rate increases for metro Detroit.