The Challenge
For years, Wayne County had managed its municipalities’ cross-connection control compliance activities for commercial properties, including in Plymouth Township (MI). “We relied on the county and didn’t have much involvement,” says Patrick Fellrath, Director of Public Services for Plymouth Township. “It was hard for us to keep up to date on the overall program status and ensure the work was being performed efficiently.”
In 2010, the county stopped managing the program altogether, ceding responsibility to each water system. But Plymouth Township didn’t have the staff, knowledge, or experience to develop and implement a program on their own. “That knowledge gap was the biggest challenge. We really didn’t know how to conduct the program at that point.”
“That knowledge gap was the biggest challenge. We really didn’t know how to conduct the program.“
– Patrick Fellrath, Director of Public Services, Plymouth Township
The Solution
They needed expert support and a solution that would provide visibility into the program status and keep them compliant with Michigan’s regulations. “HydroCorp was experienced; It wasn’t anything new to them, although it was new to us,” Fellrath says.
Then, in 2021, Michigan regulations expanded to require residential cross-connection control programs. This presented additional challenges, including public education of water customers with no background on the program. “We needed help on the education side to launch public outreach for both programs,” says Fellrath. “HydroCorp had tools already prepared that we could adopt and customize to our situation.”
And the impact was immediate: “Right away, they helped us prepare and update our ordinance, put together the plan, and distribute the public resources.” HydroCorp’s familiarity with Michigan regulations, experience developing and conducting these programs, and public education resources made all the difference for Plymouth Township.
“HydroCorp makes my job easier in dealing with the public and maintaining compliance. That’s the bottom line.“
– Patrick Fellrath, Director of Public Services, Plymouth Township
The Result
“We were able to take advantage of [the support] rather quickly in terms of improving operations,” Fellrath says. From status visibility to compliance, Plymouth Township is confident in the effectiveness of their program. “I’m up to date with inspection reports, the status of accounts; the issue with not being up to date—that’s been addressed.”
Plymouth Township needs a compliant program while maintaining positive customer relationships. HydroCorp addresses both: “We’re achieving high compliance under a tough environment,” Fellrath says. Plymouth Township boasts a 93% commercial inspection compliance rate and 95% residential inspection compliance rate. Plus, HydroCorp helps address customer complaints and questions. “Their staff is always available when I need them. They helped us respond to customers quickly and thoroughly.”
Over 15 years, HydroCorp has been a trusted partner for Plymouth Township. “We need that expertise. We wouldn’t be able to do this by ourselves,” Fellrath says. “HydroCorp makes my job easier in dealing with the public and maintaining compliance. That’s the bottom line.”
