Michigan law requires water filters in schools, childcare centers

Michigan has passed legislation requiring the installation of water filters in childcare centers and schools, known as Filter First bills, according to a press release from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

House Bills 4341 and 4342 will require schools and childcare centers to install filtered faucets, develop a drinking water management plan and conduct routine sampling and testing to ensure safe and accessible drinking water for children.

The Filter First law requires schools and childcare centers to install lead-removing filtered drinking water fountains and, in certain situations, on tap filters, and ensure that non-filtered outlets are removed or designated as not safe for consumption.

The law mandates post-filtration drinking water testing to ensure the filters are working. It also creates a fund in the Department of Treasury to assist schools and daycares with filtered water stations and filter acquisition and installation, maintenance, and post-filtration sampling costs.