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Governor Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will host three Michigan Safe Drinking Water Virtual Town Halls that will be live streamed at the dates and times listed below. The town halls will provide information to residents on sampling that is being done in communities throughout Michigan to test for lead in drinking water. Each town hall will include a presentation by staff in EGLE and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and allow time to answer questions submitted online.

• July 9, 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET – Lower Michigan Residents
• July 10, 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET – Northern Lower Michigan Residents
• July 11, 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET – Upper Peninsula Residents

These town halls are part of a broad public awareness campaign to inform residents about the new sampling requirements in the revised lead and copper rule but also that lead can also come from other sources. Exposure to lead-based paint chips and dust, as well as soil with higher levels of lead, are most often to blame when it comes to having elevated levels of lead in the body. To learn more and to get additional information on the virtual town halls, visit mi.gov/MILeadSafe.

The League knows all of our members are committed to delivering safe, clean drinking water to their customers. If, as anticipated, new sampling requirements at some locations result in higher numbers, it is NOT because water quality has changed. It is because the revised rule has changed the testing procedure and water suppliers are analyzing water in the residential service lines differently. As new sampling results are released we anticipate there will be many questions from residents and others. To help answer some of those questions, the League in conjunction with partners from GLWA, DWSD, Oakland County, SEMCOG and others, has put together some talking points and answers to questions that are commonly asked. Please click n the following link for that information. Lead and Copper Rule Testing Talking Points and FAQ.

John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.