Title
Requisition No. REQ-0007066
2026 Water Master Plan
O&M
Body
Agenda of: September 23, 2026
Item No.: 2026-368
Amount: $2,998,000.00
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: August 28, 2026
RE: Requisition No. REQ-0007066
2026 Water Master Plan
Vendor: OHM Advisors
Status: New Contract/PO
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Todd King, Chief Resiliency Officer, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), authorizes the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to enter into Requisition No. REQ-0007066, “2026 Water Master Plan” with OHM Advisors, at a cost not to exceed $2,998,000.00 for a duration of three (3) years; and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
The water system’s most recent comprehensive Water Master Plan was completed in 2003 and subsequently updated in 2015. Since that time, the system has continued to evolve, with changes in infrastructure, water demands, development patterns, regulatory requirements, operational practices, and community needs.
More than a decade has passed since the last update, making it important to reassess the water system’s current conditions and future needs. Infrastructure continues to age, system demands and development patterns may have changed, and new technologies, regulatory considerations, and asset management practices have emerged. An updated Water Master Plan will provide an opportunity to evaluate these changes and establish a current understanding of the system’s overall condition, capacity, reliability, and performance.
The proposed Water Master Plan will build upon the previous planning efforts while incorporating updated system information, current and projected water demands, infrastructure conditions, operational considerations, and stakeholder input. The planning process will also identify system deficiencies, potential risks, and opportunities for improvements and establish priorities for future capital investments.
Updating the Water Master Plan at this time will provide the system with a current, comprehensive roadmap for maintaining reliable water service, supporting future growth, managing infrastructure assets, and strategically planning improvements. The updated plan will serve as a valuable tool for guiding operational decisions, capital improvement planning, budgeting, and future funding opportunities.
JUSTIFICATION
The Water Master Plan project is important to the long-term reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of the water system. Developing a comprehensive master plan will provide the system with a clear understanding of its existing infrastructure, current and future water demands, system capacity, operational needs, and potential areas of vulnerability.
The project will include meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process to ensure that the Water Master Plan reflects the needs and priorities of the Member Partners and GLWA groups who operate and maintain the system. Engagement with key stakeholders, including GLWA staff and Member Partners will provide valuable input regarding current challenges, service needs, future growth, operational concerns, and infrastructure priorities. This collaborative approach will help build transparency, regional awareness, and support the recommended improvements.
The plan will identify aging or deficient infrastructure, evaluate system capacity and performance, and prioritize necessary improvements based on system needs, risk, stakeholder input, and available resources. It will also help the system proactively address potential water supply, storage, distribution, and operational challenges before they result in service disruptions, emergency repairs, or increased costs.
A Water Master Plan will provide a structured roadmap for capital improvements and future investments, allowing the system to prioritize projects, develop realistic implementation schedules, and make informed decisions regarding funding and budgeting. It will also support future growth and development by ensuring that the water system has adequate capacity to meet anticipated demands while maintaining reliable service for existing customers.
Overall, the project will strengthen the system’s ability to provide safe, reliable, and efficient water service, improve long-term asset management, reduce operational and financial risks, and ensure that infrastructure investments are strategically planned to meet both current and future needs. By combining sound technical planning with meaningful stakeholder engagement, the Water Master Plan will establish a shared vision and actionable framework for the continued improvement and sustainability of the water system.
FINANCIAL PLAN IMPACT
Funding Source: Operations and Maintenance (5910 - Water)
Cost Centers: 886401 Water Analytics, Planning & Metering
Expense Type: Contractual Professional Services - Water Only (611200)
Estimated Financial Plan by Year and Related Estimating Variance:
Fiscal Year Amount
FY 2027 Adopted Budget $1,000,000.00
FY 2028 Financial Plan 1,000,000.00
FY 2029 Financial Plan 1,000,000.00
Total Financial Plan $ 3,000,000.00
Proposed Contract Award 2,998,000.00
Estimated Variance $2,000.00
The award of this contract provides a potential favorable variance of $2,000.00. Total financial plan of $3,000,000.00 less the maximum contract value of $2,998,000.00. Project costs are contained within the existing financial plan.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was presented to the Operations and Resources Committee at its meeting on September 9, 2026.
SHARED SERVICES IMPACT
This item does not impact the shared services agreement between GLWA and DWSD.