What’s buried beneath the public right-of-way of the 47.26 miles of streets and 80 miles of sidewalks? There are several different services provided to our community that we often don’t think of because they are buried beneath the ground in our public right-of-ways. Below is an image to highlight so the various infrastructure assets that exist beneath our streets.
Water Distribution System
The City water distribution system is buried throughout the City to provide high-quality and safe drinking water for the community. The City of East Grand Rapids purchases water from the City of Grand Rapids as a wholesale customer. Grand Rapids takes in water from Lake Michigan, treats it and pumps it from the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant (between Holland and Grand Haven) into its distribution system and customer communities. East Grand Rapids operates and maintains the water distribution system.
Below is a list of some of the water system items buried beneath the public right-of-way throughout the City:
- Water main: 53 miles
- Water valves: approximately 1,468
- Water main leads to hydrants: 514
- Water services: 3,892
Questions regarding water treatment can be directed to the City of Grand Rapids Water Department at 616.456.3000 or 311. Questions regarding maintenance, operation or construction of the water distribution system in the City of East Grand Rapids can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 616.940.4817 or 616.940.4870.
Sanitary Sewer Collection System
The City sanitary sewer collection system also resides beneath streets in the public right-of-way to collect and send sewage out of the community to be treated. East Grand Rapids partners with Grand Rapids to send sanitary sewage from the collection system to the Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility located on Market Street just west of downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids treats sanitary sewage at its facility. The East Grand Rapids Department of Public works operates and maintains the collection system.
Below is a list of sanitary sewer infrastructure assets that are buried beneath the streets of East Grand Rapids:
- Sanitary sewer main: 42 miles
- Sanitary sewer service laterals: 3,892
- Sanitary sewer manhole structures: approximately 1,121
- Sanitary sewer lift stations: 6
Questions regarding sanitary sewage treatment can be directed to the City of Grand Rapids Environmental Services Department at 616.456.3000 or 311. Questions regarding maintenance, operation or construction of the sanitary sewer collection system in the City of East Grand Rapids can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 616.940.4817 or 616.940.4870.
Storm Sewer Collection System
East Grand Rapids operates and maintains the storm water collection system buried throughout the City. Not only does the City clean catch basin sumps to help reduce and eliminate material from getting to our rivers, streams and lakes in our watersheds, but the City maintains a very active street sweeping program to keep items on our roadways from getting into our catch basins.
Below is a list of storm sewer infrastructure assets that are buried beneath the streets of East Grand Rapids:
- Storm sewer main: 39 miles
- Storm sewer catch basins: approximately 1,263
- Storm sewer manholes: approximately 795
- Storm sewer hydrodynamic separators: 5
Private utilities that are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) also exist below and above ground within public right-of-ways throughout the City.
Natural Gas Service
DTE is a private energy company that owns, operates, maintains and provides natural gas to homes in EGR. DTE has gas mains, vaults and services located throughout the City on a scale similar to the public water or sewer utilities.
Questions or concerns regarding natural gas service need to be directed to DTE at 800.477.4747. For regulatory information or concerns, residents may contact the MPSC at 800.292.9555.
Private Video/Cable/Internet and Communication Service
Comcast and AT&T amongst others are private video/cable/internet and communications service providers who operate and maintain above and below ground services to the community. Each company can be contacted directly related to service questions, comments or concerns. Regulatory questions or concerns can be directed to the MPSC at 800.292.9555.
Electric Service
Consumers Energy is a private energy company that owns, operates, maintains and provides electric service throughout the City. Most of the electric utility service lines are located in public right-of-ways or through private utility easements. Maintenance in the right-of-ways or private utility easements is common regarding tree trimming and removal. This is necessary to reduce outages and provide the electric utility service to residents.
Questions, comments or concerns may be directed to Consumers Energy at 800.477.5050. Regulatory questions or concerns can be directed to the MPSC at 800.292.9555.
Learn more about the road right-of-way.