Novi Hosts Great Lakes Drinking Water Conference to Celebrate Safe Drinking Water Act’s 50th Anniversary
On September 25, 2024, the city of Novi buzzed with energy as state and national environmental officials gathered for the Great Lakes Drinking Water Conference. This year’s meeting was particularly special, marking the 50th Anniversary of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, a piece of legislation that has significantly shaped and improved drinking water standards across the nation.
Reflecting on Progress and Challenges
One of the key speakers at the conference was Eric Oswald, the director of the Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). He shared insights on the evolution of drinking water regulations, emphasizing that prior to the Safe Drinking Water Act, regulations tended to be sporadic and often arose in response to outbreaks of diseases like cholera.
“The introduction of this act was a game changer,” Oswald noted, highlighting how it established maximum contaminant levels and monitored water quality like never before. This legislative framework has been instrumental in protecting communities from harmful pollutants, contributing to safer drinking water for everyone.
Michigan’s Abundant Water Resources
At the conference, EGLE Director Phil Roos passionately reminded attendees that Michiganders take immense pride in their water resources. “With the Great Lakes containing 21% of the world’s fresh surface water and thousands of lakes and rivers at our fingertips, it’s crucial we safeguard these assets,” Roos stated. He explained that the goal of the conference was to discuss strategies to further protect drinking water.
Over the past half-century, leaders in Michigan have taken great strides in addressing water safety, especially after facing significant challenges like the Flint Water Crisis and lead contamination in places like Benton Harbor. Roos emphasized, “Despite these hurdles, we’ve managed to secure some of the cleanest drinking water in the country today.”
Investing in Water Infrastructure
Roos also addressed the pressing need for rebuilding outdated water infrastructure in Michigan. “Many of our systems are 50, sometimes even 100 years old, which makes securing funding a real challenge,” he explained. However, he highlighted the recent opportunity provided by federal funding from President Biden’s administration and the state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which is enabling Michigan to invest significantly in its water systems.
The director expressed that every year, improving drinking water and water infrastructure remains a top budget priority. “For every million dollars invested in water infrastructure, we’re not only improving public health but also creating jobs,” Roos shared, emphasizing a significant return on investment.
Facing Future Challenges Head-On
Looking ahead, two critical issues on the table are the Lead and Copper Rule updates and the management of emerging contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.
“We need to expedite the removal of lead lines,” Roos stated, noting that with new regulations, more communities will need assistance to ensure compliance. He pointed out that Michigan’s commitment to drinking water safety gives it an edge in tackling these challenges.
A Vision for 2027
Roos also introduced the ambitious Vision 2027 plan, aimed at making Michigan a national leader in environmental protection by the end of the current administration. By measuring various indicators impacting air, land, water, and climate, EGLE hopes to improve 75% of its goals each year.
The director further shared that cybersecurity is becoming an essential element in safeguarding water systems, ensuring Michiganders can go about their daily lives without worrying about the water they use.
Conclusion
As the conference concluded, it was evident that while there’s much work to be done, Michigan is on the path to becoming a model state for drinking water safety and infrastructure. City officials, environmental leaders, and community members alike are committed to ensuring that Michiganders enjoy clean and safe drinking water for generations to come, because after all, as Roos pointed out, “Water is a part of our culture, our identity. It’s everything we depend on.”
