May 5-11, 2024: Drinking Water Week Michigan

WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association has celebrated our most valuable natural resource during Drinking Water Week each year in May; and,

WHEREAS,as Michigan prepares to celebrate Drinking Water Week along with other states across the country, we pause to consider the essential role water plays in our quality of life – for public health, safety, and economic vitality; and,

WHEREAS,while we desire drinking water of the highest quality, we recognize that our water supply is neither limitless nor without expense. Good drinking water is a precious resource and one which requires ongoing investment to protect; and,

WHEREAS,we are all stewards of the water infrastructure upon which future generations will depend, and as citizens, we are called upon to help protect our source waters by practicing water conservation and following best drinking water practices; and,

WHEREAS,as today’s water consumers rely on safe drinking water, Michigan is committed to improving the operation and maintenance of water facilities, increasing monitoring, replacing aging pipes and equipment, and installing new treatment technologies as they become available; and,

WHEREAS, Since I took office, we have invested over $4 billion to upgrade drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities, helping communities remove lead service lines, reduce toxic contaminants like PFAS, rehabilitate water plants, rebuild sewers, and so much more; and,

WHEREAS, together, with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), we also established health-based standards for PFAS and enforced the strongest Lead and Copper Rule for drinking water in the country. Over the past few years, I signed bipartisan legislation to help communities access funding for water infrastructure and to ensure children in schools and childcare centers have access to clean drinking water; and,

WHEREAS, dedicated professionals, such as scientists, engineers, regulatory officials, water plant owners and operators, and citizen groups across the state work to protect and improve our water supply and ensure high-quality drinking water in Michigan is available for future generations; and, 

WHEREAS, as the Great Lakes State, Michigan is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, a resource whose value to public health and economic vitality cannot be overstated, and we encourage consumers to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about their drinking water and actions they can take;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 5 – 11, 2024, as Drinking Water Week in Michigan.