As Saginaw mulls future of historic water treatment plant, officials set public meeting

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw City Hall officials will host an informational session at the city’s century-old water treatment plant, which leaders say could be renovated or replaced in the coming years.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the water treatment facility, 522 Ezra Rust Drive in Saginaw.

Officials said the meeting will focus on Saginaw’s water-delivery system, with an emphasis on the water treatment facility as well as the new water tower constructed down the block.

“We want our citizens to be informed about our current projects and initiatives at the plant and to learn a little about the history of our facility,” Michael Grenier, Saginaw’s director of water and wastewater treatment services, said in a statement.

He said the gathering also would allow residents to view the filter gallery at the treatment plant, which annually serves as the site of massive amounts of holiday decorations this time of year.

“With all the holiday decorations inside and outside the plant, it’s the perfect time of year to visit our facility,” Grenier said.

Saginaw City Hall officials in August 2025 invited residents to weigh in on the future of the city’s century-old facility.

The city has partnered with Fishbeck Engineering on a study to determine the plant’s long-term future. According to city officials, much of the equipment and piping has reached the end of its useful life.

Officials said the study will recommend either replacing equipment and conducting large-scale rehabilitation of the current facility or constructing a new plant elsewhere. If officials opt for a new facility, the historic structure could be repurposed.