Responding to lead in water systems is among the priorities of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in its 2023-2024 budget. Director Elizabeth Hertel told a state Senate Appropriations Subcommittee this week 60 communities out of 1,400 had excessive lead or copper in their water.
“These numbers will increase over time as our regulations change and our water systems continue to age,” Hertel said. “State public health investments over the past seven years have supported some capacity to respond to emergent drinking water threats, but the level of investment in public health has not allowed for the level of response that communities need. Everyone should be able to trust the water that is coming from our faucets.”
Hertel also said Michigan is still facing a shortage of healthcare workers. The budget would seek to attract more, as well as invest in community based public safety and invest in juvenile justice.
