South Haven, Mich., launches $42 million water infrastructure overhaul with lead pipe replacements
(UI) — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with the City of South Haven and the South Haven Area Water-Sewer Authority (SHAWSA) to kick off construction on a new elevated water storage tank.
The groundbreaking ceremony also highlighted over $42 million in investments in the region's wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to upgrade South Haven’s water systems, funded by a combination of state and federal programs. SHAWSA secured financing through Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), with additional support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
In 2023, SHAWSA received a $5.8 million low-interest loan and a $3.6 million grant through the CWSRF to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant. These upgrades include replacing blowers and diffusers in the secondary treatment system and transitioning from chlorine to ultraviolet disinfection. To address flooding concerns, SHAWSA also secured a $1.5 million High Water Infrastructure Grant.
In 2024, SHAWSA received a $9.1 million grant and a $11.7 million loan from the DWSRF to fund various projects, including a new water storage tank, booster station, and lead service line replacement. Around 2,100 lead service lines will be replaced, removing all lead pipes from the city's distribution system within the next three years. The new elevated water tank will replace a 100-year-old structure, ensuring the city's safe drinking water supply.
Additionally, upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant aim to enhance its efficiency and help South Haven meet environmental standards by reducing the exceedances of discharge limits, protecting the Black River and Lake Michigan.
To date, Michigan’s SRF programs have financed over $9.4 billion in projects across the state to protect public health and the environment.
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