About

Who We Are – A Legacy of Clean Water and Community Care

For over 40 years, the Kalamazoo Lake Sewer and Water Authority (KLSWA) has been dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable water and sewer services that protect public health and preserve the environment. Established in 1977 in response to the deteriorating condition of the Kalamazoo River, KLSWA was founded on the mission to provide clean drinking water and effective wastewater management for our growing communities. Through strategic partnerships and continuous upgrades, we have built a robust infrastructure that meets the needs of today while planning for tomorrow.

Mission

At KLSWA, our mission is simple: safeguard public health and the environment by providing reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services. We are committed to being there 24/7/365, responding to emergencies and ensuring that our communities have clean water they can trust.

Vision

To continue being the backbone of our community’s growth by providing innovative and sustainable water solutions that protect our environment, improve quality of life, and support future generations.

Today’s Impact

Today, KLSWA proudly operates 20 public sanitary sewer lift stations and multiple facilities, continuing our mission of safeguarding public health and supporting community growth. Our infrastructure includes 6 wells, a state-of-the-art treatment plant, a water storage reservoir, and an extensive network of sewer piping and watermain. This comprehensive system ensures clean, safe drinking water and efficient wastewater treatment for all residents.

Truck with Crane
Digging - Water System Upgrades Coming Soon
Fire hydrant

KLSWA Board Meeting Calendar

Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 10:00 A.M. in the KLSWA offices, unless a change has been noted by the Commission. The KLSWA offices are located at 6449 Old Allegan Rd. The anticipated public meeting schedule is as follows:

Meeting agendas will be available one week prior to each monthly meeting.

Important Dates

* Please see our Notices for the changes in the Public Meeting schedule.

Approved Board Minutes

2025

January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July 2025
August 2025
September 2025
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025

2024

January 2024
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024

2023

January 2023
February 2023
March 2023
April 2023
May 2023
June 2023
July 2023
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
December 2023

2021

January 2021
February 2021
March 2021
April 2021
May 2021
June 2021
July 2021
August 2021
September 2021
October 2021
November 2021
December 2021

Commission

The Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority Commission is made up of five dedicated Commissioners who ensure our community’s water and sewer services are managed effectively. Saugatuck appoints two Commissioners, Douglas appoints two, and Saugatuck Township appoints one, creating a balanced representation of our communities. Each Commissioner serves a three-year term, designed to stagger changes to maintain continuity and stability; this ensures that we always have experienced leadership guiding our initiatives. Terms begin on March 1st, coinciding with our first meeting of the month. During this important gathering, the Commission elects its Officers, including a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer, reaffirming our commitment to transparent and accountable governance for the benefit of all residents.

Commission Members

Barry Johnson

KLSWA Chair, City of Saugatuck
Term expires February 29, 2027

Abby Bigford

KLSWA Vice-Chair, Saugatuck Township
Term expires February 28, 2025

Greg Freeman

KLSWA Secretary-Treasurer, City of The Village of Douglas
Term expires February 28, 2027

Mark Bekken

City of Saugatuck
Term expires February 28, 2026

C. Daniel Urquhart

City of The Village of Douglas
Term expires February 28, 2026

Employment

KLSWA looks for highly motivated, well-qualified individuals to help us serve our communities and commit to their continued health and growth.

Systems Operator

Minimum Requirements: posses High School Diploma or GED, and an active State of Michigan vehicle Operator License. Obtain a pertinent EGLE license within two qualifying opportunities of hire. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License class B (CDL-B) or better with tanker endorsement (N) within four months of hire.

View Job Description
Work Requirements:

  • Perform the necessary maintenance and repair work on system equipment or property insuring proper working order and appearance. This equipment includes but is not limited to pumps, motors, chemical feed systems, valves, mixers, shafts, couplers, bearings, electrical controls, meters, hydrants, compressors, bar screens, sewer and water mains, vehicles, buildings, structures along with any other system related equipment or property.
  • Operate hand and power tools in a safe effective manner in order to complete maintenance or repairs.
  • Perform welding and cutting.
  • Perform customer meter readings, install/removal of meters and meter recording equipment.
  • Operate light and heavy motorized equipment.
  • Collect and or perform necessary tests on water and wastewater either in the field or in a laboratory environment.
  • Calibrate various equipment as necessary.
  • Perform inventory activities.
  • Makes periodic rounds of water and wastewater facilities recording operational conditions and interpreting tests and data in order to take appropriate action.
  • Efficiently and effectively backwash filters of a potable water iron removal plant.
  • Clean sewers, flush hydrants, inspect sewer laterals and water services.
  • Follow all safety regulations and procedures while performing work duties in a confined or hazardous space.
  • Responds to and repairs water and sewer mains.
  • Handles chemicals and supplies in a safe manner.
  • Responds to emergencies and customer service requests.
  • Maintain necessary records.
  • Perform locating and staking duties of the system’s underground utilities as required.
  • Efficiently and effectively operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant with the proper maintenance of all related files and records.
  • Performs cross-connection inspections on private and commercial property insuring proper plumbing, connection, or discharges into the public system in accordance to industry standards and regulations.
  • Work nights, weekends and holidays as required and/or as necessary.
  • Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly manner along with housekeeping duties.
  • Works cooperatively with coworkers, the public and customers.
  • Attends training and seeks operational licenses as issued by related regulatory agencies.
  • Perform in all weather conditions and environments.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. This Position Description is intended to identify and illustrate the kinds of duties that may be assigned to its incumbent. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that may ever be required of such an employee, or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.

Office Administration Assistant

Reports to: Office Supervisor or Management
Function: Assists Administration in a timely, accurate and efficient manner in the operation of a business office and
all relevant activities.

View Job Description
Job description:

  • Performs all activities related to accounts receivable and accounts payable.
  • Performs utility billing functions.
  • Schedules customer service requests.
  • Drafts letters and other forms of communications to customers.
  • Accepts and processes counter payments.
  • Monitors, records, reports, and communicates on customer accounts.
  • Performs customer service in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Accurately maintains records in an organized manner.
  • Researches vendors, products and costs.
  • Addresses the utility based MISS DIG system as necessary.
  • Maintains a proficient knowledge and application of standard office equipment and technologies.
  • Prepares records, reports and documents for auditors, regulators, and administration.
  • Delivers mail to/from post office and financials to/from bank.
  • Dispatches personnel.
  • Performs general office housekeeping.
  • Maintains a proficient professional work attitude with management, all employees, customers and members of the community.
  • Adheres to all employer standards, rules, regulations, requests and protocols.
  • Performs other duties or tasks as necessary or requested.

Work Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting located at a wastewater treatment facility. The incumbent spends majority of time in contact with customer citizens, general public and coworkers.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. This Position Description is intended to identify and illustrate the kinds of duties that may be assigned to its incumbent. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that may ever be required of such an employee, or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such individuals may be given.