In 2024, the Village of Hesperia approved a $23.7 million water improvements project, which includes a new well, water treatment plant, water mains, water meter replacements, lead service line replacements and improvements to the elevated water storage tank.
The project is being funded through grants totaling approximately $20 million from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, which incorporates several funding sources such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The village is also receiving a $3.7 million low-interest (1% over 30-40 years) loan from the DWSRF program, according to Village President Mike Farber.
Additional upgrades included in the project are:
• About 17,000 feet of aging asbestos water main will be replaced with new, larger water main lines for better flow, fire protection, water quality and help with water flushing capabilities.
• Replace 163 outdated residential and 61 commercial water meters with new meters that provide radio remote read capabilities.
• Replace service lines to alleviate concerns over lead and to meet the State of Michigan’s EGLE requirement that communities replace a minimum of 5% lead service lines annually, ahead of the State-mandated 2040 deadline, protecting the health and safety of village residents.
• Interior and exterior improvements to the elevated water storage tank, including new paint and other repairs and maintenance such as replacing discharge screens and roof vent.
According to engineers Fleis & VandenBrink, as of early April 2026:
• Water main work is more than 80% done, and crews are currently working on M-20 west of Division and Michigan streets. The water main on Oak and Spruce will be the last two areas of the new water main to be completed.
• Cleanup, ditching and culvert installation is underway on Munn, Lizzie and Sunset streets.
• The iron removal plant is nearly complete, and startup is expected in the first part of May.
• The well and water system control upgrades are beginning this month.
• Paving and lawn restoration work will begin as soon as weather permits.
• No scope was deleted, but a new water main between the Sunoco gas station and the water storage tank on Division Street was added to the project. The new water main provides additional protection for health and safety of water customers and improves system reliability.
The project is currently on time and on budget, with substantial completion in early July 2026 and final completion in August of 2026.
