The Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate (OCWPA) was created through Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2019-06. The Office operates as a type 1 agency within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to elevate concerns and has a direct connection to the Governor’s Office.
The OCWPA primarily serves as a resource and facilitator of communication between other offices, state agencies, community partners, and the public in issues related to drinking water. Exploring gaps and recommending potential improvements to policies, procedures, and regulations to support the continued improvement of Michigan’s drinking water response and regulation is part of what we do as well. The OCWPA also ensures that the public can report drinking water concerns through the statewide concerns reporting system and that those concerns are heard and investigated by the appropriate entity.
Michigan promotes Fix a Leak Week each year in March. Fix a Leak Week is an annual campaign lead by the EPA WaterSense program. The campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of finding and fixing leaks to save water, energy, and money and help protect public health. Visit our Fix a Leak Week page to learn more about actions you can take in your home and resources for educators.
If you are having a hard time paying your water or other utility bills, there may be help. Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Need help with food, housing, or paying bills? Need support in a family crisis or community disaster? We're here for you. Any time. All the time. Just call, text, or search online and we'll get you connected.
The online drinking water concern system was developed to provide Michigan residents with an additional channel to submit their water quality concerns to EGLE or their Local Health Department (LHD).
Here are a few ways that you can lend your voice to improve water quality in Michigan.
