Water supply: quality and standards; testing and reporting of the amount of microplastics in public drinking water supplies; require. Amends sec. 5 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1005) & adds sec. 6a.
Impact
The implications of SB 504 are significant, as it enhances the regulatory framework surrounding water quality in Michigan. By incorporating microplastics into the monitoring regime, the bill recognizes the increasing public health concerns regarding contaminants in drinking water. This legislation could lead to a more cautious approach in drinking water standards and provide state authorities with necessary data to mitigate any identified risks. Moreover, public water supplies are expected to be held to stricter accountability regarding the quality of water they deliver.
Summary
Senate Bill 504 aims to amend the existing Safe Drinking Water Act by introducing measures to monitor and report the presence of microplastics in public drinking water supplies. This bill requires the establishment and administration of a microplastics program that mandates testing on a quarterly basis. The program, which will begin in 2027 and run until 2030, is designed to gather baseline data and assess potential risks associated with microplastics found in drinking water. The monitoring will be conducted using established sampling methods endorsed by leading environmental and health organizations.
Contention
While SB 504 is largely supported due to its focus on protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water, some concerns may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing such extensive testing. There could be debates around the costs involved in establishing the necessary infrastructure for regular testing and reporting. Additionally, stakeholders might question the potential impact on small water suppliers who may struggle with compliance. Environmental justice considerations are highlighted, as the implementation must also acknowledge and address disparities in water quality across different communities.
Water supply: quality and standards; testing and reporting of the amount of microplastics in public drinking water supplies; require. Amends sec. 5 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1005) by adding sec. 6a.
Water supply: other; permit and license for water withdrawal for water bottling and water bottling royalties; provide for. Amends sec. 17 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1017) & adds sec. 17a.
Water supply: quality and standards; installations of filtration systems in child care centers; require. Amends sec. 1 of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.111) & adds sec. 3i. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4341'23, HB 4342'23
Water supply: quality and standards; installations of filtration systems in child care centers; require. Amends sec. 1 of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.111) & adds sec. 3i. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4341'23, HB 4342'23
Water supply: quality and standards; access to safe drinking water; require when a water source tests positive for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 12722, 12723 & 12724.
Water supply: quality and standards; installations of filtration systems in child care centers; require. Amends 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.111 - 722.128) by adding secs. 3j, 3k & 3l. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0088'23, HB 4341'23
Water supply: quality and standards; clean drinking water in schools and child care centers; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0088'23, HB 4342'23
Environmental protection: cleanups; cleanup to residential and safe drinking water standards; require unless technically infeasible. Amends secs. 20118, 20120a, 20120b, 20120e & 20121 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20118 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5247'23, HB 5245'23
Directs DEP to take certain actions concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water, and requires DEP and BPU to study and promote use of microplastics removal technologies.