COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Community Schools is taking a significant step towards ensuring safe drinking water for its students with the recent receipt of a major grant. This funding is directed towards compliance with Michigan's new state requirements on drinking water for schools and daycares, falling under the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Filter First initiative.
This initiative mandates that educational institutions and childcare centers throughout Michigan establish a comprehensive Drinking Water Management Plan, install lead-reducing filters on all consumptive fixtures, and routinely test the filtered water. To support these requirements, the state has allocated funding for acquiring and installing filtered bottle-fill water coolers, point-of-use faucet filters, and covering various maintenance and sampling costs.
Superintendent Paul Flynn expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting the leadership of Nick Kanouse from the district’s Transportation, Grounds, and Maintenance department who spearheaded the project. This grant will significantly aid in executing the necessary upgrades to comply with Michigan laws.
The Michigan state legislature has appropriated an impressive $50 million in federal funding to reimburse school districts, non-public schools, and licensed child care centers participating in this program. Notably, schools are mandated to conduct annual drinking water samplings, while childcare centers are required to test their water every two years to ensure a safe supply for children.
As schools across Michigan gear up to meet these new regulations, Coldwater Community Schools stands out as a proactive example of a district committed to the health and safety of its students. The successful implementation of the grant will help in reducing lead exposure, a significant health concern that has affected children across the country.
By establishing robust drinking water management strategies and ensuring that all drinking water fixtures are equipped with effective lead reduction systems, schools are not only ensuring compliance with state legislation but also prioritizing the well-being of their students.
In conclusion, the recent grant received by Coldwater Community Schools reflects a larger trend within Michigan to enhance drinking water safety standards in educational institutions. With the rise of awareness around lead contamination and its impact on child health, such initiatives are vital for protecting current and future generations.
