Coversheet


City of Marquette, MI 300 West Baraga Avenue Marquette, MI 49855


Agenda Date: 6/30/2025 Consent Agenda - Roll Call Vote Water System Maintenance Agreement with Northern Michigan University

BACKGROUND:

The City of Marquette owns and operates a public water supply system (City System), that provides potable water to its customers. The City System is regulated by and under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Northern Michigan University (University) is a customer of the City System which owns and operates Customer Site Piping and is subject to City and EGLE requirements to maintain service. Customer Site Piping includes water mains, distribution piping, and other water system facilities, equipment, and appurtenances to convey water for use in its facilities, buildings, and structures, collectively the University System.

Because the City and University Systems are interconnected at two or more connection points to the City public water system, EGLE has informed the City that in order for the City to be in compliance with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy cross connection requirements, one of three things that must occur: (i) Installation of appropriate backflow prevention devices at each connection point between the City System and the Customer Site Piping. This would require installation of a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve at each connection with the City System which would need to be above ground in a temperature controlled environment, (ii) the City must receive easements and agreements for the City to take responsibility of the operation, maintenance, extension, repair and replacement of the Customer Site Piping, or (iii) the City and University must enter into a suitable agreement regarding the operation, maintenance, extension, repair and replacement of the Customer Site Piping of the University System.

Because the City and University Systems are interconnected, the City and University have mutually agreed to use the third alternative described above. The parties desire to enter into this Maintenance Agreement to meet requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399, as amended (MCL 325.1001 et seq.), and the rules promulgated thereunder, by setting forth the terms of and their respective responsibilities for the operation, maintenance, repair, and extension of the University System and its interconnection with the City System.

FISCAL EFFECT:

There is no fiscal effect resulting from executing this agreement. However, non-compliance with EGLE requirements could result in fines imposed by EGLE.

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve the Agreement for Water System Maintenance, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute it.

ALTERNATIVES:

As determined by the Commission.

ATTACHMENTS:
	Description
	Agreement