Water Department
Contact
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Function
The function of the Water Department is to serve as a public utility by efficiently operating a water filtration plant, water distribution system, and water billing system to provide municipal water in said department's service area, with such water meeting or exceeding State of Michigan standards for quality, and to provide a sufficient quantity of water to meet the City’s goals for (1) fire protection purposes and (2) projected future needs.
Biography and History
The City of New Buffalo owns and operates a 2.5 million gallon per day Water Treatment Plant that provides water to the citizens of New Buffalo City and portions of New Buffalo Township.
The complete treatment facility went into operation during the summer of 1970, and has been in continuous operation since its inception, using Lake Michigan as source water.
Chemicals added during the treatment process include; Chlorine, used as a disinfectant, Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) as a coagulant, and Fluoride for dental benefits.
The City of New Buffalo Water Treatment Plant maintains a State of Michigan certified microbiological laboratory that tests the drinking water for the City of New Buffalo and additional neighboring community water supplies 365 days per year.
Water Pumpage
Annual Pumpage for 2020
Average Day: 533,000 gallons
Maximum Day: 920,000 gallons
Minimum Day: 294,000 gallons
Total Pumpage: 195,051,000 gallons
Water is one of our most valuable resources: Please Conserve!
Water waste at 40 lbs. pressure
A 1/32" leak wastes 170 gallons in 24 hours
A 1/16" leak wastes 970 gallons in 24 hours
A 1/8" leak wastes 3,600 gallons in 24 hours
A 1/4" leak wastes 11,030 gallons in 24 hours
So, to be safe:
- Check every faucet and toilet for leaks.
Even a slow leak can waste large amounts of water every day.
- Repair leaks immediately.