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DEQ DW Title Michigan Surface Water Overview
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is committed to protecting and preserving Michigan's water resources. There are several programs in place which support this goal.

Annual Wastewater Reporting
Click here for: Reporting requirements for every person doing business within this state who discharges wastewater to the waters of the state or to a sewer system.
Enforcement
Click here for: Surface Water Enforcement is responsible for conducting all escalated enforcement actions taken by the division. These actions are conducted in response to violations of state water pollution control statutes and rules, violations of surface water discharge permits, and any violations of administrative or judicial orders.
NPDES Permits
Click here for: The Water Bureau (WB), within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), has responsibility for processing NPDES permits under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 Pa 451, as amended. The purpose of this permit is to control the discharge of pollutants into surface waters of the State to protect the environment.
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Click here for: Michigan's Nonpoint Source Program assists local units of government, non-profit entities, and numerous other state, federal, and local partners to reduce nonpoint source pollution statewide. The basis for our program is watershed management; most of the projects we fund are to develop watershed management plans or to implement nonpoint source activities in these plans. We look forward to working with you to protect and improve Michigan's water resources.
Water Quality Trading
Click here for: Administrative Rules for Water Quality Trading
Septage
Click here for: The licensing and handling of domestic Septage is regulated under Part 117, Septage Waste Servicers, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Surface Water Quality Division administers the Septage program with the assistance of participating county health departments.
Sanitary and Combined Sewer Overflow
Click here for: Combined sewer and sanitary sewer overflows are described as discharges from a sewer system which contains untreated or partially-treated sewage. Please click 'more' below to learn more about CSO and SSO discharges and what can make them occur.
Storm Water
Click here for: The goal of Michigan's Storm Water Program is to protect and preserve Michigan's water resources. We strive to accomplish this goal through a two step process. First of all, we have been delegated the regulatory authority to implement a storm water discharge permit program for the state of Michigan. Secondly, we have developed and implemented an educational component of our permitting process.
Quick Links
 •  Michigan Environmental Laws
 •  Part 41 Wastewater Construction Permit Application
 •  SWQ FY02 Program Plan PDF icon
 •  How to Apply for an NPDES permit

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