Michigan educators, child-care providers warn Filter First law creates funding, staffing and guidance gaps

Lawmakers and local education and child-care officials told the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security on Sept. 12 that the state's Filter First requirement for certified filters at school and child-care drinking-water outlets is running into practical problems on the ground.

"Every child deserves access to safe drinking water," said Steve Clark, superintendent of Vassar Public Schools, but he said the law is too narrow in focusing only on fixtures in schools and child-care centers and leaves broader water-infrastructure issues unaddressed. Clark said his district received a $46,000 Healthy Schools grant to retrofit hallway fountains and food-preparation sinks, but the grant did not cover classroom sinks and prohibited inline or entry-point systems that would protect entire buildings more cost-effectively.

The witnesses described three recurring implementation problems: inconsistent or changing guidance from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); a funding gap that leaves districts and providers responsible for ongoing cartridge replacement and labor; and substantial new administrative and testing burdens.

"The initial…