Filtration systems certified for lead reduction and particulate removal will be required in bottle filling stations for Michigan schools and must be installed by the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year.

 

The recent enactment of the “Clean Drinking Water Access Act” is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and accessibility of drinking water in educational settings. This act mandates child care centers and schools to develop and implement a comprehensive drinking water management plan, focusing on using filtered water stations and faucets to minimize lead exposure among students and staff.

 

What This Means for Your School Develop a Drinking Water Management Plan: Within 15 months from the act’s effective date (October 2023), your school must create a plan detailing the locations of drinking water outlets, schedules for water sampling, testing, and filter replacements. This plan should be readily available to school staff, parents, and the public upon request. Installation of Filtered Water Stations: Ensure at least one filtered bottle-filling station per 100 occupants (excluding visitors and those attending special events) is maintained, prioritizing locations where water consumption is necessary, such as hallways, kitchens, and teacher lounges. Bottle filling station must have a light or device to indicate filter cartridge replacement status. Filter must meet NSF/ANSI  standard 53 for lead reduction and NSF/ANSI standard 42 for particulate removal. Regular Water Testing and Maintenance: Conduct annual water testing at each filtered station and faucet, maintaining a lead concentration of not more than 5 parts per billion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular filter replacement to ensure water safety.

State funds are available to help with the installation and maintenance costs of filtered bottle filling stations and replacement filter cartridges in compliance with the drinking water management plan. For more detailed information on the act and its implications for your school, please refer to the official documentation provided by the state.

 

OASIS bottle filling stations and filtration systems qualify! 

• OASIS is an exclusive manufacturer of filtered, retrofit bottle filling stations compatible with existing drinking fountain brands
• OASIS has an exclusive Tilt ‘N Tether feature, with the filter located at the top of the bottle filler or accessible through the side panel of drinking fountains, making changing and maintaining filtration systems easy
• OASIS filtration systems provide a high dirt-holding capacity, which reduces the number of filter changes per year pending on use and models

 

We understand the challenges schools face in ensuring the safety of their drinking water. That’s why OASIS offers complimentary walkthroughs for school districts. During these walkthroughs, our team assesses the specific issues each school is facing and recommends tailored solutions – contact OASIS to schedule time!

 

Now is the time to invest in your school’s drinking water to provide the ultimate hygienic hydration solutions for today’s students and all future learners. OASIS is dedicated to providing clean drinking water where you need it – for a healthy future for ourselves and our students.