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Wayne County accepts $67,580 EGLE grant to support water, pool and septic programs
Summary
The commission approved a one-year grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for $67,580 (10/01/2025–09/30/2026) to fund private water, pool inspections, septic and neighborhood services; staff outlined pool inspection schedules and beach-monitoring partnerships with Wayne State University.
Wayne County commissioners voted to accept a one-year local health department grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division totaling $67,580 to support environmental public health programs.
Dr. Brianna Eccleston presented the grant acceptance, saying it covers 10/01/2025 through 09/30/2026 and breaks down approximately as: $7,855 for the private water program, $53,380 for pool inspections, $5,100 for the septic program and $1,245 for neighborhood services (including campgrounds). Commissioners asked whether a reduction in pool grant funding would affect the department’s ability to inspect pools; Eccleston said inspection fees offset the grant decrease and the department will still inspect public pools, both indoor and outdoor. She offered to provide the exact number of pools in the county by follow-up email.
Commissioners raised concerns about unlicensed private pools and how the county educates owners; staff said educational materials are available on the county website and that state-provided materials are often shared. Commissioners also asked about the timing and elements of pool inspections; Eccleston said inspections are generally annual and include water quality and safety equipment checks.
On open-water beach monitoring, Dr. Sheth, medical health officer, and Dr. Eccleston said the county restarted beach testing after the pandemic in partnership with Wayne State University researchers. Sheth said the county samples weekly during summer months (more frequently after heavy rains) and posts results on the public-facing Beach Guard site; signage and closures are used when results require action.
Commissioner Baker McCormick moved to accept the grant and Commissioner Killeen seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
