The City of Portage utility system consists of approximately 230 miles of sanitary sewer main and 55 lift stations. The sanitary sewer system has a capacity of 10.8 million gallons per day. The average daily flow is 5 million gallons per day.
The City of Portage water system consists of approximately 245 miles of water main with 23 production wells and two elevated storage tanks. The water system has a capacity of 27 million gallons per day. The average daily production is 5.9 million gallons per day. The Garden Lane Water Treatment Facility removes arsenic from the groundwater before distribution to the public water system.
Collection of storm water is an important responsibility of the City of Portage. The City of Portage maintains approximately 210 miles of storm sewer infrastructure ranging from local street drainage to 66” diameter collection pipes. In Portage most storm water is collected in catch basins and infiltrated back to the ground. The city also maintains approximately 100 storm water outfallls to Portage Creek, Austin Lake, West Lake and Gourdneck Lake. These surface water discharges are permitted by the State of Michigan by a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Storm Water permit. The city undertakes programs annually to address localized flooding issues along the street and the public right-of-way. If you have a concern about storm water flooding, please contact the Transportation & Utilities Department at 269-329-4422.
Utility Rates
Utility rates are reviewed annually by City Council and adopted prior to July 1 of each calendar year.
Special Assessments
Water and Sewer service extensions in the City of Portage are partially funded by special assessment to the benefit properties. The City Charter established a procedure to adopt a special assessment district consistent with State of Michigan laws.
Maintenance – United Water
The City of Portage contracts the annual maintenance and operation of the sanitary sewer and water systems with United Water. Annual operation and maintenance consists of providing safe and reliable water and sewer services. You can reach United Water by calling 269-324-9235