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Water Consumption
In 2019, the GLLC Task Force on Lead approved this model policy, emphasizing reducing exposure to lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities. The model policy calls for mandatory lead testing of all sources of drinking water in schools and child care centers. If lead is found to be in excess of 5 parts per billion, an alternate water source must be provided, and notification needs to be sent to parents and the coordinating state/provincial agency. The model policy further requires inventories of lead service lines, and for that information to be provided to affected residents.
Earlier this year, Michigan passed legislation to step up lead testing requirements. SB 31 requires the testing of minors, and under HB 4200, the results of those tests must be included on the child’s immunization record. HB 4341, HB 4342 and SB 88 create the Clean Drinking Water Act, outlining funding and requirements to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. The act calls for annual testing, as well as water filters, in all schools and child care centers. This legislation matches the shut-off threshold in school and child care centers agreed upon by legislators who helped develop the GLLC Model Policy: 5 parts per billion.
Michigan joins Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Ontario, and Québec in adopting this standard. Most of these jurisdictions adopted this requirement in the past five years. Indiana requires testing in schools and child care centers with a 15 parts per billion threshold. Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania encourage, but do not require, testing for lead in school and child care facilities.
Also related to water consumption, Québec approved a new water pricing policy with higher rates for commercial users and water bottlers. Additionally, Bill 20 creates a “Blue Fund” to collect these increased fees. This fund will then be used to finance projects for “…the protection, restoration, development, and management of water.” Set to go into effect in January 2024, the rates threshold will be lowered to 50,000 liters (roughly 13,000 gallons), increase by 3 percent annually, and include a surcharge for water withdrawn and placed in bottles or other containers.
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