Governor Whitmer signs directive to improve state’s drinking water protections

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive on Thursday, November 4, seeking to strengthen the State of Michigan’s water regulations, rules, and policies.

The directive, comprised of six parts, focuses on prevention and response to water quality issues.

“Every parent in Michigan should be able to give their kid a glass of water with confidence, knowing that it is safe,” said Whitmer.

“Today, I signed an Executive Directive to begin a comprehensive review of the State of Michigan’s role in local water systems. The six-part directive will take several steps to tighten regulations, seek to deliver more resources, expand community engagement, and more. Our top priority here remains guaranteeing safe drinking water for every Michigander, no matter who they are or where they live. We will not rest until every community has safe drinking water and every parent feels confident to give their kid a glass of water,” continued Whitmer.

Executive Directive Details

Part One: Laws and Regulations

Mandate a line-by-line review of existing laws and regulations governing water. While Michigan already has the toughest lead rules nationwide, there are still areas of improvement. The review will recommend reforms that could include legislation, amendments to existing rules, new rules, and executive reorganization.

Part Two: Resources

Identify the state and local resources needed to better assist public water suppliers, collect data, and enforce water laws. The current water funding shortfall disproportionately impacts low-income communities.

Part Three: Education & Engagement

Analyze efforts around education and engagement to ensure every Michigander who lives in a community experiencing water quality issues get the information they need to protect themselves.

Part Four: Lead Mitigation

Direct departments to continue finding ways to reduce lead in drinking water, including a proposal for the rapid and safe removal of lead service lines across the state, which are a primary source of lead contamination in drinking water.

Part Five: Data

Examine existing data collection and sharing practices, with the goal of strengthening the collection and transfer of information and formalizing best practices already in place. While the state does not operate public water supplies, it does regulate these systems. Protecting public health demands better access to data on local water assets.

Part Six: Planning

Find opportunities for equitable regional planning in the sourcing, treatment, and delivery of drinking water. Ensure resources are being used effectively to deliver safe drinking water.

The governor launched the MI Clean Water plan to invest $700 million to build up drinking and wastewater infrastructure while supporting 10,000 jobs. The plan addresses high water rates, tackles toxic contaminants like PFAS, builds up sewer and septic systems that can’t meet demand, and replaces lead service lines.

In addition to MI Clean Water plan, Michigan has invested millions in drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities across the state supporting thousands of local jobs.

Governor Whitmer signs directive to improve state’s drinking water protections

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