News from Progress Michigan
Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org
Contact: Megan Kelto, megan@flowwateradvocates.org
April 14, 2026
MICHIGAN – Recent polling released by Progress Michigan shows that 75 percent of Michiganders support enacting a statewide septic code. In January, state Sen. Sam Singh introduced a bill (SB 771) that would do exactly that. If the bill passes it would require the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to establish a septic system sanitary code.
“Michigan is the Great Lakes State, and we want to be able to trust that our water is clean, safe to consume, and healthy for our environment. It doesn’t make sense that we are the only state without a statewide septic code, and voters are clear that needs to change,” said Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Failing septic systems are not only a threat to our water systems, they are a threat to our public health.”
“It is high time for Michigan to adopt a uniform septic code,” said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of Flow Water Advocates. “Failing and aging systems threaten drinking water and our lakes and rivers. This legislation establishes common-sense protections that every Michigander can support — because clean water is not optional, it’s essential for our health and communities.”
The poll found that septic code legislation has strong bipartisan support, as well as majority support across demographics. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.
