A new poll from Progress Michigan in partnership with Public Policy Polling shows strong support for the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act, a package of two bills long championed by Flow and introduced by Sen. Sam Singh (D-28) in May 2026.
The bills (SB 950 & 951) would raise approximately $300 million annually by imposing a 25-cent per gallon royalty to be paid by bottled water companies that extract and sell Michigan’s public water resources. The money would be designated to address Michigan’s persistent, underfunded water infrastructure needs and support safe, affordable drinking water for all Michigan residents.
Public Policy Polling interviewed 687 Michigan voters in May, and found that 73% “Strongly” or “Somewhat” support the legislation. Support for the bills cut across party lines, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents in support — indicating an opportunity for bi-partisan cooperation in Lansing.
The text of the polled question reads: Michigan lawmakers are considering a new law that would charge bottled water companies a 25-cent royalty for every gallon of water they extract from Michigan water sources. The money raised would fund upgrades to drinking water systems, provide resources for septic system maintenance, and help residents with water affordability. Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose a new royalty charged to bottled water companies to fund water infrastructure improvements and affordability measures?
The fund is modeled after Michigan’s successful Natural Resources Trust Fund. Established 50 years ago, the NRTF has directed more than $1 billion in revenues from oil and gas drilling on state land to acquire public parks and recreational land across every county in the state.
Urban and rural communities alike face many challenges related to Michigan’s aging water infrastructure, including lead pipes, contaminated well water, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, and unaffordable water bills. Recent widespread flooding further exposed the perilous condition of many of our dams, bridges, and drainage systems. The Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2023 Report Card gives Michigan a lackluster “C-” for its drinking water infrastructure. Passage of the MWTFA is especially critical, in the face of the Trump Administration’s proposed 90% cuts to federal support of state clean water and drinking water revolving funds (SRFs).
