Public Works

The Department of Public Works is organized into eight divisions: Administration, Engineering, Environmental Programs, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer Collection, Buildings and Grounds (Cemetery), and Motor Pool.

The Department is responsible for design review and construction inspection of water and sewer service lines, pathways and sidewalks, water mains, sewer mains, and the Local Road Program. The Department oversees the operation and maintenance of the water distribution system and the sewage collection system, nine Township buildings and their grounds, two Township cemeteries, the Meridian Recycling Center, and the purchasing and maintenance of all Township vehicles and motorized equipment.

The East Lansing-Meridian Water & Sewer Authority (ELMWSA) owns and operates the water production facilities for East Lansing and Meridian Township. Each community has its own water distribution system and provides drinking water and fire protection services for its citizens. ELMWSA pumps and treats the drinking water and provides it to the community water towers and distribution systems.

To view the 2025 Drinking Water Quality report, visit the link below:

2025 Drinking Water Quality Report

The Engineering Division oversees all activities related to replacements, additions and extensions of the existing sanitary sewer system and water distribution system, construction and repair of the pathway system and sidewalks as well as the planning, design and construction of capital improvement projects. These activities include both Township projects as well as private developments throughout the Township.

The Facilities Division is responsible for the maintenance of all Township buildings, grounds and the purchase and maintenance of all Township vehicles, motorized equipment and trailers.

The Motor Pool operates as an enterprise fund with revenues coming from the users of the vehicles and equipment that are purchased and maintained by the Motor Pool. A Lead Mechanic and a Mechanic are responsible for the maintenance of 86 vehicles and approximately 50 pieces of equipment. 

The Ingham County Road Department (ICRD) is responsible for all road maintenance and operations in the Township (excluding Grand River and Saginaw Highway, which are MDOT roads). If you have a pothole or other concern regarding roads, curb/gutters, signs, traffic signals and trees between the road and the sidewalk, please contact the ICRD at 517.676.9722.

In cooperation with ICRD, Meridian Township is engaged in a 10-year effort to improve all of the local roads in Meridian. More information about that program can be found at the Local Roads Program webpage:

meridian.mi.us/government/township-projects/local-roads-program

The Sewer Division is responsible for the maintenance, repair and operation of approximately 190 miles of sanitary sewer collection lines, 4,050 Township owned sanitary manholes and 31 sanitary sewage pumping stations ranging in size from 3.5 million gallons per day to a few thousand gallons per day. Maintenance items include: main line sewer cleaning, grease and debris removal in sewer lines, manhole cleaning and repairs, manhole inspections, closed circuit television (CCTV) inspections, inspections and cleaning of sanitary sewage pumping stations, pump repair and maintenance and electrical repairs of pump control panels.

The Township contracts with the City of East Lansing for treatment of all sanitary sewage originating in the Township.

All public streetlights in the Township are owned and operated by either Consumers Energy or the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL). Consumers Energy services the majority of the Township, excluding areas on our extreme western border. Depending on the electric company serving your residence, the streetlight near you is usually serviced by the same provider.

If you see a streetlight that is out or not functioning correctly, you may report it to Consumers Energy or Lansing Board of Water & Light:

The Ingham County Drain Commissioner (ICDC) is responsible for the construction, maintenance and improvement of the storm drains in the Township.  Problems with storm water, ponding or drain maintenance should be directed to the ICDC by calling 517.676.8395.

The Water Division maintains, repairs and operates the water distribution system; which includes 158 miles of water mains, over 12,000 water services, 15,000+ water meters, 15,000+ remote readers, 2,000+ water distribution valves, 1,900+ fire hydrants, 1,900+ fire hydrant valves and two 500,000 gallon elevated storage tanks.

There are several watershed management efforts currently underway by local watershed groups. Their mission is to improve regional water quality and management. The Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) collaborates on several different projects and efforts related to water quality improvements, recreational opportunities, pollution prevention and in general regional water resource management.

Learn more about the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management

See how you can do your part.

Learn more about the Township’s stormwater management program and tips on how you can help protect our waterways!

Contact Us

517.853.4440
dpw@meridian.mi.us

Water & Sewer Emergencies:
517.853.4911

5151 Marsh Road
Okemos, MI 48864

Staff

Dan Opsommer
Deputy Township Manager/Director of Public Works
opsommer@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4440

Younes Ishraidi
Chief Engineer
ishraidi@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4460

Rob MacKenzie
DPW Superintendent
mackenzie@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4662

Caycee Hart
Project Engineer
hart@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4468

Jack Hughes
Project Engineer
hughes@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4470

Thomas Hundt
Project Engineer
hundt@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4474

Ryan Schaner
DPW Records Manager & GIS Specialist
schaner@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4464

Denise Greene
Administrative Assistant II
green@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4452