A New Report Puts an $85 Billion Price Tag on Michigan’s Water Problems

In Flint, nobody needs a reminder that water problems can turn into a nightmare. But a new report says Michigan’s aging water systems are a much bigger problem than most of us probably realize.

The number attached to it? As much as $85 billion.

Why Does Michigan Need $85 Billion for Water Systems?

The Great Lakes Water Authority says that’s how much Michigan could need to invest in drinking water and wastewater systems over the next 20 years. We’re talking about pipes, pumps, treatment plants, and other equipment that most of us never think about until something goes wrong.

And we’ve already seen what happens when one of those pipes gives out. A major water main break in Auburn Hills back in May left several communities dealing with water problems and even led to a state of emergency

Who Will Pay to Fix Michigan’s Aging Water Infrastructure?

That’s the big question. Right now, much of the cost of maintaining these systems falls on local communities and the people paying water bills. The report says Michigan needs a long-term statewide plan, because simply piling the full cost onto customers isn’t realistic. Not to mention, it's not fair.

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To be clear, $85 billion is an estimate of what may be needed statewide over two decades. It isn’t a bill due tomorrow, and it isn’t a number just for Flint.

Still, that’s a staggering amount of money for something most of us can’t even see beneath our feet.