2013 update - Auburn Hills is still exploring the opportunity to work with Pontiac (now controlled by Oakland County) to become more efficient and reduce the City's dependence on DWSD.Auburn Hills is looking at the possibility of buying excess water capacity from the City of Pontiac to offset the 100% exclusive relationship with DWSD. This agreement would benefit Pontiac with current asset utilization and be an additional revenue stream for Pontiac. Auburn Hills would benefit by being able to purchase water at a lower rate then what is currently contracted with DWSD.
Update February, 2014
The goal for 2014 is for the four communities (Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Orion Township, and Rochester Hills) to develop an inter-agency that becomes the North Oakland County Water Authority that has the impact of reducing DWSD revenue requirement for the four communities.
If the new authority agreement can be developed and approved by the governing boards of the respective communities in 2014, the next phase would be develop a connecting water line with Pontiac in 2015-2016.
If this project is successful it is expected that the savings for the four communities could be as much as $3.0 million.
No barriers currently exist for project to move ahead.