What happened.
On June 3, the Michigan Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee voted to advance SB 771, which would create a statewide septic code, and prioritize evaluations for older septic systems near lakes and streams.
Michigan's septic situation.
Michigan does not have a statewide septic code, and there is strong evidence that failing systems are contaminating lakes and streams with human and household wastes.
State Senator Sam Singh introduced SB 771 in January 2026, to create a septic code. Michigan is currently the only state the U.S. without a statewide code, and only 12 of our 83 counties have septic ordinances.
What happens next?
The bill has been recommended to the full senate for a vote.
Similar legislation (HB 6066) was recently introduced by Rep. Phil Skaggs in the House, and has been referred to committee.
What you can do.
To (finally!) get this done, lawmakers in Lansing need to hear from you!
Email your state representative and senator here:
