State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis today introduced part of an extensive, bipartisan plan to address water quality across the state of Michigan.

“Water quality issues have touched every corner of this state and it is our responsibility to restore Michigan families’ confidence that the water that they drink, bathe in or swim in is safe,” said Afendoulis, of Grand Rapids Township. “We inherited serious water problems—like PFAS contamination and lead exposure—that were created over the course of many years. This plan demonstrates a commitment to working alongside families and communities to ensure the safety of our state’s freshwater resources.”

Afendoulis’ proposal would require a local government to conduct a comprehensive lead and copper analysis report at least one year prior to any change in water source, except for emergency situations.

The 30-bill reform proposal looks at water quality across the board: from improving municipal safeguards and oversight to tightening up environmental protection and conservation of recreational waterways.

“I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues today to put forward a plan that will protect public safety and increase government transparency around decisions that impact this precious and critical resource,” Afendoulis said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. Every Michigan parent deserves to know the glass of water they hand their child is safe to drink.”

The proposed plan updates lead testing requirements at common sources of public drinking water, makes improvements to the state’s emergency manager law to increase transparency, clarifies the authority of the Office of the Auditor General to inspect public documents and increases reporting and analysis requirements to public water quality.

“The safety of our state’s drinking water was put on the line in large part because decisionmakers didn’t know what they didn’t know,” Afendoulis said. “A severe lack of coordination and information impeded our state’s water quality. These reforms put our state back on the right track.”

The full package includes House Bills 4742-4769.

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