Regulations

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regulates many of the programs that the required of the water department.  Routine and special water sampling, a valve maintenance program, hydrant flushing and maintenance program, a cross connection control program, wellhead protection program, monthly operational reports and new additions to the plant and distribution system are only a few examples. Licensing for water operators is also regulated by EGLE. Because of the new licensing requirements, certified operators are required to attend education and training sessions in order to maintain their licenses. The City's current water plant requires a D-2 license for Water Production and an S-2 for Water Distribution.

Lead and Copper Rule

In 2018, EGLE revised the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). The revisions include requirements for Community Water Supplies like the City of Marshall. The main components of the rule are lead and copper sampling, distribution system materials inventory (DSMI), and lead service line replacement (LSR). 

PFAS and PFOA Testing

America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA)

Under this 2018 law the Water Department is required to complete a Risk and Resiliency Assessment as well as Emergency Response Plans

Several changes in State water regulations have occurred over the past few years. The Lead-copper rule, an annual fee assessed to municipalities by EGLE, Consumers Confidence Reports, and arsenic and radon regulations are still looming and will need to be addressed at some time. All of these regulations are mandatory with funding left up to community water supplies through the budgeting process. Security has become a major issue that will add additional costs. The city has contracted with the consulting firm of Ayres, Lewis, and Norris and May to conduct water system vulnerability study to determine how vulnerable the water system is to acts of bioterrorism. This study is Federal mandated and must be completed and submitted to the EPA by June 30 2004.