Michigan Senate Bill SB0920

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/24
• Refer: 6/13/24
• Report Pass: 10/31/24
• Refer: 10/31/24
• Report Pass: 12/12/24
• Engrossed: 12/13/24
• Refer: 12/13/24

Caption

Water supply: systems; mobile home park water delivery systems; regulate. Amends secs. 2, 5 & 10 of 1976 PA 399 (MCL 325.1002 et seq.).

Impact

The legislation will empower the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to exert greater control over public water supplies and to inspect waterworks systems regularly. If the DEQ finds that a water supply system is inadequate or poses an imminent threat to public health, it is authorized to issue emergency orders requiring immediate action from water suppliers. Consequently, this means that mobile home parks must adhere to increased scrutiny to ensure safe and healthful drinking water is provided to their residents.

Summary

SB0920 seeks to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to enhance regulations concerning water supply systems specifically related to mobile home parks in Michigan. The bill aims to ensure that water delivery systems serving mobile home parks meet stricter standards of safety and quality, addressing concerns about drinking water contamination. This change is part of broader regulatory efforts to safeguard public health and maintain compliance with state and federal drinking water standards.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB0920 appears to be positive among public health advocates and environmental groups, who view it as a necessary measure to protect vulnerable populations such as those living in mobile home parks. However, there may be concerns from industry stakeholders about the regulatory burden this bill could impose. The support for the bill reflects a growing awareness of the importance of infrastructure and safety in providing clean drinking water, especially for community housing.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB0920 involves the balance of state oversight versus local control. Opponents might argue that while increased regulation on drinking water systems is critical for public health, it may also place significant burdens on local water suppliers, particularly those serving smaller communities. The debate highlights the tension between ensuring safety and making compliance cost-effective for service providers.