Kennedy Industries completes overhaul of critical Lake Huron Pump Station equipment after more than a decade of continuous operation.

Kennedy Industries recently completed a major vertical turbine pump rehabilitation project for the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA), rebuilding four massive pumps that move water from Lake Huron to communities on Michigan’s I-69 corridor.

Working alongside contractor John E. Green Company (JEG), Kennedy Industries overhauled all four of the Flowserve pumps – a project that was no small feat considering that each pump measured about 60’ long and weighed approximately 26,000 pounds.

Successfully rehabilitating municipal water pump equipment of this scale requires specialized facilities, experienced technicians, and significant lifting and machining capabilities, making this project a perfect fit for Kennedy Industries’ state-of-the-art Wixom, Michigan, industrial pump repair shop.

A Large-Scale Pump Rehabilitation Effort

The vertical turbine pump rehabilitation program began in late 2024, with the last pump removed for overhaul in December 2025.

John E. Green Company was responsible for removing and reinstalling the pumps, while Kennedy Industries handled the rebuilding, testing, startup, and commissioning of the equipment.

By completing the work in phases, KWA was able to maintain operational flexibility while ensuring every pump received a comprehensive overhaul.

The final pump was reinstalled and returned to service in May 2026, marking the successful completion of the project.

Kennedy Industries Brings Specialized Pump Repair Expertise

Large vertical turbine pumps are among the most demanding pieces of equipment found in municipal water systems, and rehabilitating them requires a unique combination of technical expertise and repair capabilities.

At approximately 60′ and 26,000 lbs, this pump overhaul was no small task. Kennedy’s Wixom, Michigan pump repair facility is well equipped to handle massive pump repairs.

Using its state-of-the-art Michigan pump repair facility, Kennedy Industries performed:

• Detailed equipment inspections
• Component repair and replacement
• Precision machining
• Pump rebuilding
• Quality assurance testing
• Startup and commissioning services

The company’s experienced pump technicians worked closely with KWA and project partners throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure the vertical turbine pumps were restored to reliable operating condition.

Projects like this demonstrate the value of specialized pump expertise when utilities are evaluating whether to rehabilitate, replace, or extend the life of critical infrastructure assets.

< Read the KWA Lake Huron Pump Station Project Report

Keeping Water Moving Across the Region

The Karegnondi Water Authority is a regional municipal water supply system formed in 2010 to provide and distribute raw water to communities across eastern Michigan. The KWA includes Genesee County, Lapeer County, City of Lapeer, Sanilac County, and the City of Flint.

At the heart of the system is the Lake Huron Pump Station, where raw water begins its journey to KWA’s treatment plant and the communities it serves.

The facility’s four vertical turbine pumps are responsible for moving large volumes of water through more than 60 miles of transmission main. Because these pumps operate continuously and are essential to regional water delivery, maintaining their performance is critical to the long-term success of the system.

For municipal water utilities, reliability starts long before water reaches the treatment plant. At KWA’s Lake Huron Pump Station in Jeddo, Michigan, four large vertical turbine pumps work around the clock to move raw water more than 60 miles to the authority’s treatment facility in Columbiaville. After more than eleven years of continuous operation, KWA took a proactive approach to maintaining these critical assets by launching a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Planning Ahead to Protect Critical Water Infrastructure

After more than a decade of service, KWA recognized the need to rehabilitate the pumps before wear and age could impact reliability.

Rather than waiting for pump equipment failures or performance issues, the authority implemented a planned asset management strategy designed to:

• Restore vertical turbine pump performance
• Extend municipal water equipment life
• Minimize operational risk
• Maintain system reliability
• Protect public infrastructure investments

For municipal utilities facing aging infrastructure challenges, this type of proactive maintenance approach can help avoid costly emergency repairs while maximizing the value of existing assets.

Why Pump Rehabilitation Matters

Across North America, water and wastewater utilities continue to face increasing pressure to maintain aging infrastructure while managing budgets responsibly.

Pump rehabilitation projects can provide significant benefits, including:

Improved Reliability
Rebuilt equipment helps reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures and service interruptions.

Extended Asset Life
Water and wastewater pump rehabilitation allows utilities to maximize the useful life of existing water infrastructure and delay major capital expenditures.

Better Operational Performance
Restoring worn pump components helps maintain efficiency and hydraulic performance.

Cost Savings
Planned pump rehabilitation is often more cost-effective than emergency pump repairs or complete equipment replacement.

Stronger Asset Management
Proactive maintenance strategies help utilities make informed decisions about long-term infrastructure investments.

ESG Highlights: Sustainability Through Asset Stewardship

The KWA rehabilitation project also demonstrates how infrastructure investment can support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives.

Environmental Benefits
Extending the life of existing equipment reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and replacing large infrastructure assets. Rehabilitation is often one of the most sustainable approaches to managing critical water and wastewater equipment.

Social Benefits
Reliable water delivery is essential to public health, economic development, and community resilience. By proactively investing in pump rehabilitation, KWA helps ensure dependable service for the communities it serves.

Governance Benefits
The project reflects strong asset management practices, responsible planning, and thoughtful stewardship of public resources. Taking action before equipment failures occur is a hallmark of effective utility management.

Investing in Long-Term Reliability

The successful completion of the Lake Huron Pump Station rehabilitation project demonstrates the value of proactive infrastructure management and strong industry partnerships.

By investing in critical pumping assets before failures occurred, KWA strengthened the reliability of its water delivery system while extending the life of infrastructure that communities depend on every day.

For utilities facing similar challenges, the project serves as a reminder that strategic rehabilitation can be one of the most effective tools for improving reliability, managing costs, and maximizing asset performance.

Partner with Kennedy Industries

Whether your utility is evaluating aging pumps, planning a rehabilitation project, or developing a long-term asset management strategy, Kennedy Industries offers the expertise, facilities, and field experience needed to keep critical infrastructure operating at its best.

From municipal water systems and wastewater treatment facilities to regional water authorities and industrial operations, Kennedy Industries helps customers improve reliability, extend equipment life, and maximize infrastructure investments.

Ready to Discuss Your Next Pump Rehabilitation Project?

Contact Kennedy Industries today to connect with a pump and water infrastructure specialist. Learn how our team can help your utility improve system performance, reduce risk, and extend the life of critical infrastructure assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Karegnondi Water Authority rehabilitation project?
The project involved rebuilding four large vertical turbine pumps at KWA’s Lake Huron Pump Station to restore performance and extend equipment life.

What role did Kennedy Industries play?
Kennedy Industries was responsible for rebuilding, testing, startup, and commissioning services for all four pumps.

Why were the pumps rehabilitated?
After eleven years of continuous operation, KWA proactively rehabilitated the pumps to maintain reliability and support long-term system performance.

How large are the pumps?
Each pump is powered by a 2,000-horsepower motor, measures nearly 60 feet in length, and weighs approximately 26,000 pounds.

Who handled pump removal and installation?
John E. Green Company managed the removal and reinstallation of the pumps during the rehabilitation process.

What are the benefits of pump rehabilitation?
Pump rehabilitation can improve reliability, extend asset life, reduce lifecycle costs, and delay major capital replacement projects.

How does this project support ESG goals?
The project supports sustainability through asset life extension, protects public health through reliable water service, and demonstrates strong infrastructure stewardship and governance.

How can utilities contact Kennedy Industries?
Complete our Contact Us form, call 248-684-1200 or e-mail info@kennedyind.com.