Michigan City Undergoes Major Sewer Repair Project

The state of Michigan has been spending big bucks and placing emphasis on the sewage and groundwater systems around the state. They have been replacing lead pipes throughout the state for the past few years. After the Flint Water Crisis, the access and quality of Michigan's groundwater systems was a huge talking and focal point for the Mitten State.

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Battle Creek's "Get The Lead Out" initiative that the city started in 2024 to push the replacements to the top of the to do list. In just one year, Battle Creek was able to replace over 1,400 of the total 4,500 lead pipes in the city. The Biden Administration gave each state 10 years to replace all the pipes and Battle Creek will complete the task far before the deadline.

In addition to replacing the lead pipes they are also looking at improving the sewage system throughout the city. The current system has raised concerns of infiltration due to high groundwater levels, but Battle Creek already has solutions. Starting on Monday, January 6th, there will be a major sewer upgrade coming to the city.

The repairs start with a week-long cleaning and examination period before they move forward with implementing the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP). The city is planning to install 2,500 feet of the CIPP for all pipes between 6 - 18 inches while also laying epoxy lining for 20 manholes. Workers will be on site from 7am-7pm until the project is completed in mid-February.

The work area extends from Elm Street to Ivanhoe, including Union Street north of Ivanhoe to the Battle Creek River but there will only be lane shifts rather than lane closures but there still may be backups to be cautious of. The CIPP should provide sanitary sewer lines for at least 75 years.