Livonia has 26 commissions on topics ranging from sustainability to the economic development of Plymouth Road. VRS spotlights the activities and opportunities for engagement with each of these commissions. Today we’re looking at the Water and Sewer Board.

The Water and Sewer Board evaluates requests for payment plans from residents who are behind on their bills. If you or someone you know are in need of assistance they can complete the consumer request form: https://livonia.gov/…/Customer-Request—Water-and…

The Board also refers residents to the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) run by Wayne Metro. WRAP is a two year program that provides funding to eligible, low-income households (at or below 200% of federal poverty level) to assist with water bills and water conservation. Learn more here: https://www.waynemetro.org/wrap/

The State of Michigan has two programs that can help households with overdue water and sewer bills, Low Income Household Water Assistance Plan and Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF). Find information about those programs here:

• https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/low-income-households-water-assistance-program-lihwap
• https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/homeownership/mihaf-homeowner-assistance

As an older community, as of 2021, Livonia had approximately 104 homes with known lead service lines. There is no imminent risk to households with lead pipes; however, the City is actively working to replace these pipes to ensure there is no future concern. You can find the City of Livonia 2021 Water Quality Report here: https://livonia.gov/…/6092/2021-Water-Quality-Report-PDF

The Water and Sewer Board has 5 members (Brett Gierak, Valerie Jackson, Greg Jones, Candy Little and Rich Skaggs) appointed by the Mayor and meets the first Monday of every other month at the Department of Public Works building.

Thank you to local artist Maddy VerVaecke for this incredible representation of some of Livonia’s Commissions.