Water and Sewer

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

1788Water-Sewer




The Water and Sewer section of the Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for:

  • Maintenance of the City water distribution system with approximately 500 miles of water main
  • Maintenance of thousands of valves and fire hydrants
  • On-going routine inspections and cleaning of approximately 540 miles of sanitary sewers in the City to ensure trouble-free operation
  • Water meter installation and repair issues for over 38,000 Livonia water customers' accounts

This section complies with all regulatory issues such as water quality testing, providing an annual water quality report to all customers, annual reporting to the State of Michigan, and working with our supplier, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), to ensure that Livonia water rates are kept as low as possible.

Eight Mile Water Meter Replacement March 2-12

The City of Livonia Water Department is working in partnership with the Great Lakes Water Authority to replace a wholesale water meter at Eight Mile and Merriman Roads. Work begins March 2 and is expected to last approximately 10 days. Residents and businesses along Eight Mile Road, west of Merriman Road to Osmus Street, may experience intermittent water outages during this time. Some cloudy or discolored water is also possible in the surrounding area. See below for more information about water service in Livonia.

GLWA Livonia Logos

water main breaks and discolored water


Water main breaks increase significantly during winter months. Freezing ground temperatures cause soil to shift and expand, placing extreme pressure on water pipes. In addition, cold temperatures cause pipes to shrink and become more brittle, making them more susceptible to cracking—sometimes even below the frost line.

Residents may notice discolored water following a water main break or when fire hydrants are used. This discoloration is typically caused by naturally occurring sediment, such as iron and manganese, being stirred up during a large draw of water. The water remains safe to use, but precautions are recommended while the water is discolored.

What to Do if Your Water Is Discolored

  • Avoid running hot water or washing clothes, as staining may occur.

  • The water is safe to use; however, if you have concerns, you may boil the water for 10 minutes before use.

Once repairs are completed and the system stabilizes:

  • Run cold water from the faucet closest to your water meter for 30 seconds.

  • If the water does not clear, wait 30 minutes to one hour and repeat the process.

  • Before normal use, it is recommended that each faucet be run for 20–30 seconds to flush any remaining sediment from the lines.

Reporting a Possible Water Main Break

While the City of Livonia monitors its water system using SCADA technology to detect major pressure changes, many water main breaks occur in smaller residential pipes and are often first identified through resident reports.

If you notice discolored water, water bubbling from the ground, or a loss of water pressure, please report it by:

  • Submitting a request through SeeClickFix

  • Calling the Livonia Police Department non-emergency line at (734) 466-2470

During business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday), residents may also contact the Department of Public Works at (734) 466-2655.

What to Expect During Repairs

Once a water main break is confirmed, affected residents and businesses are notified using door hangers or door-to-door notifications. Most repairs are completed within 3–6 hours, with the water main kept under pressure to ensure the water remains safe during and after repairs.

Because sediment can travel through the system, discolored water may be experienced several blocks away, and the extent can vary.

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residential water service Lines

The City of Livonia is required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGWater LineLE) to create an inventory of residential water service line materials that connect a home's private water line to the City's water distribution system (water main). Your participation in this survey will help the City complete this requirement. Please identify your water service line material to the best of your abilities after clicking the following link and reviewing the document: Service Lines and Plumbing. If you need any assistance or would like to schedule a City of Livonia representative to come to your house and identify your home's water service line material, please call the Department of Public Works at (734) 466-2655.

Take our Water Service Line Material Survey.