Construction began in 1971 and Charlevoix's new WWTP went on line in July of 1973. It is a Michigan class "B" Activated Sludge Facility. Capacity is slightly over 1 million gallons per day, with present flows ranging from around 700,000 gallons per day in the summer to approximately 250,000 gpd in the winter. The last major upgrade was as part of the Bridge Park Project when a new lift station was constructed downtown which included a new headworks at the WWTP which contain an automatic bar screen and new grit removal equipment. The separation of storm water from the sanitary collection system has been ongoing and is nearly complete, and with 15 lift stations, Charlevoix's sanitary system is able to serve the City and areas of Charlevoix and Hayes Townships well into the foreseeable future.

Charlevoix's Water Treatment Facility was constructed and went on line in April of 1987. The modern, Direct Filtration plant was in response to levels of TCE which were detected in the existing ground water supply. The plant has a capacity of 3 million gallons per day, and existing water production varies from around 400,000 gallons per day in the winter to as high as 2 million gallons per day in the summer. Water comes from Lake Michigan through 1400 feet of intake pipe using a buried intake structure. This intake gallery was enlarged in 1992 to insure higher intake rates without having to backwash. A one million gallon, above ground storage reservoir at the plant plus a 300,000 gallon water tower on Charlevoix's north side provides an ample water supply for the City's customers as well as water for fire protection. Charlevoix adds fluoride to it's water supply.

Both Water & Wastewater Plants are operated by Michigan Certified Operators who are licensed in both facilities: training is continuous to maintain certification.

Plant tours are welcome for large groups or individuals; tours can be structured to fit school lesson plans. Please call the Superintendent to make arrangements.

Department of Environmental Quality

www.deq.state.mi.us/

Environmental Protection Agency

www.epa.gov/

AWWA - American Water Works Association, (drinking water related group)

www.awwa.org/

Michigan Rural Water Association, (both drinking water and wastewater)

www.mrwa.net

National Weather Service, Gaylord Office

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/apx/

Charlevoix 7 day forecast from Gaylord NWS

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.php?CityName=Charlevoix&state=MI&site=APX

Great Lakes Water Temperatures

www.coastwatch.msu.edu/

Lake Michigan Weather Buoy 45502 in northern Lake Michigan (Seasonal access only)

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=45002

National Climatic Center; weather statistics

www.ncdc.noaa.gov/