Water System Advisory Council

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The formation of a Water System Advisory Council (WSAC) is part of the drinking water rule changes that became effective June 14, 2018. The general intent of the WSAC is to help the water customers become more aware of lead in drinking water and the associated health risks. Water systems that serve a population greater than 50,000 are required to create a WSAC.

The Water Resources Commissioner’s Office is responsible for two water systems that meet the population requirement to form a WSAC. These water systems are the City of Farmington Hills and the City of Pontiac.

The WSAC Guidelines (see below) require that a meeting be conducted once a year at a minimum. Meetings may occur more frequently where there are service lines consisting of lead material remaining in the water system.

Upcoming WSAC Meetings

WSAC Council Guidelines

Each water supply that serves a population of 50,000 or more, and each consecutive water system that serves a population of 50,000 or more, shall create a water system advisory council. Councils shall operate as follows:

(a) A council shall consist of at least 5 members, appointed by the community supply. To be eligible for appointment to the council, an individual shall have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge about lead in drinking water and its effects. At least one member must be a local resident who does not formally represent the interests of any incorporated organization.

(b) The members first appointed to a council shall be appointed within 180 days after the effective date of this rule.

(c) The business that the council may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the council and held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.

(d) The first meeting of a council shall be called by the water supply. At the first meeting, the council shall elect from its members a chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary or appropriate. After the first meeting, the council shall meet at least annually.

(e) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the council in the performance of an official function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

(f) The council shall do the following:

(i) Develop plans for continuing public awareness about lead in drinking water, even when the action level is not exceeded.

(ii) Review public awareness campaign materials provided by the statewide drinking water advisory council to ensure the needs and interests of the community, considering the economic and cultural diversity of its residents, are addressed.

(iii) Advise and consult with the water supply on the development of appropriate plans for remediation and public education to be implemented if a lead action level is exceeded.

(iv) Advise and consult with the water supply on efforts to replace private lead service lines at locations where the owner declined service line replacement.

(v) Assist in promoting transparency of all data and documents related to lead in drinking water within the water supply service area.

(vi) Collaborate with local community groups to ensure that residents have the opportunity to be involved in efforts to educate the community about lead in drinking water.

(g) A water system advisory council may independently seek advice, direction, and assistance from the department or the statewide advisory council.