The bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1976 by updating sections 4 and 17 and adding a new section 17a. It requires water suppliers to submit plans and specifications for proposed waterworks systems to the department for evaluation against public health standards and state drinking water regulations. Suppliers must provide a general plan for their systems and update it as necessary, while the department is tasked with conducting capacity assessments to ensure that these systems possess the required technical, financial, and managerial capabilities. Additionally, the bill introduces stricter regulations for bottled drinking water producers, particularly those sourcing from out-of-state, mandating proof of approval from relevant jurisdictions for their water sources and bottling facilities.

The bill also establishes new requirements for water withdrawal permits, including a public notice and comment period of at least 45 days before issuance. Applicants must submit their applications alongside a construction permit and pay a fee of $5,000. A water withdrawal permit will not expire, and a license to produce bottled drinking water requires a $6,000 application fee and compliance with environmental standards. Furthermore, a royalty of 25 cents per gallon for bottled water produced must be reported quarterly and deposited into the Michigan water trust fund. The bill clarifies that certain activities, such as agricultural or manufacturing water use, do not require a license and ensures that new provisions do not interfere with existing water rights or environmental protection laws. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 325.1004, 325.1017