The proposed bill aims to establish residential water affordability criteria across all state departments and agencies in Michigan, ensuring that individuals have access to safe, clean, and affordable water for essential uses. It mandates that these entities revise or create policies and regulations to support this initiative, while clarifying that it does not impose additional obligations on the state to provide water or develop infrastructure beyond existing commitments. The bill also specifies that the criteria apply to water supplied for individual use, excluding new developments, and does not infringe on the rights of public water systems.

To facilitate the implementation of these criteria, the bill creates the Office of Residential Water Affordability within the Department of Health and Human Services. This office will be responsible for tracking data on water providers and their affordability programs, as well as maintaining a public website with relevant information. The bill outlines the powers and duties of the office, including budgeting and personnel management, and stipulates that it will not take effect unless certain related bills are also enacted into law.