Column: Filter First laws would guarantee secure consuming water in colleges, childcare facilities

We additionally know that lead publicity in colleges and childcare facilities is particularly regarding given the period of time that youngsters spend in these areas in addition to the intervals of time when water sits stagnant throughout weekends and lengthy breaks. When there’s a lack of normal water movement during times when colleges and childcare facilities are closed, the effectiveness of corrosion management chemical substances designed to maintain water wholesome is tremendously diminished and extra alternative exists for micro organism, lead and copper to get into the water. 

Put into motion, the Filter First payments would tackle these regarding points by requiring all Michigan colleges to implement a consuming water administration plan, set up or provide filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered taps and repeatedly have the filtered water examined to make sure that the filters are put in and working correctly. 

The payments would additionally require all Michigan childcare facilities to implement a consuming water administration plan and conduct common testing; nevertheless, along with the choice of putting in filtered bottle-filling stations or taps, childcare facilities would even have the choice to provide secure consuming water by using filtered pitchers or water from a water supply supply. 

These payments have garnered widespread help from well being and environmental consultants, and are additionally strongly supported by the Michigan League for Public Coverage and our companions. 

Whereas the Legislature has already appropriated the funding for the Filter First program, it can’t be correctly launched with out the implementation of the Filter First payments at present within the state Legislature. The payments present the framework to make sure this system and its funding are effectively carried out by our state departments and that college and childcare employees throughout Michigan have the steering wanted to undertake a Filter First methodology for the younger kids of their care.  

To remain wholesome and powerful, Michigan children want clear water. Limiting their publicity to guide will assist them to keep away from well being points, keep in class and develop up in early care and studying environments the place they’ll thrive. 

The League applauds the Senate for its latest passage of the Filter First payments and the Home Well being Coverage Committee for reporting out the Home payments final week. Now it’s as much as the complete Home to take swift motion to cross these payments and transfer them ahead to the governor’s desk, in order that our state departments, colleges and childcare facilities can roll up their sleeves and start the vital work of creating the Filter First program a actuality for Michigan children.