Traverse City, Mich. – Michigan’s water and public health are threatened by an estimated 330,000 failing septic systems, but new legislation (SB 771) recently introduced by Sen. Sam Singh (D-28) proposes common-sense statewide septic standards to help keep human and household wastes out of our lakes, rivers, and drinking water wells. Michigan is the only state in the U.S. without a statewide septic code, and only 12 of Michigan’s 83 counties have septic ordinances.
On March 6, 2026 at 12:30pm, Flow Water Advocates will host a live webinar via Zoom with Sen. Singh to discuss Michigan’s outdated, fragmented approach to septic system oversight and how key provisions in the new bill will protect water quality, property values, and human health.
Sen. Singh will be joined by a panel of experts, including Megan Tinsley, Water Policy Director, Michigan Environmental Council; Dan Thorell, Health Officer, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department; and Anthony Kendall, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Michigan State University. The event will be moderated by Skip Pruss, Flow Senior Advisor and former Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now EGLE).
The webinar is free to attend, and will include audience Q&A. Registration is available online at www.FlowWaterAdvocates.org/septic and via Zoom.
Meet our panelists:
Sen. Sam Singh, Michigan State Senator (D-28)
Sam Singh is a Democratic Michigan State Senator representing the 28th District and serves as Senate Majority Floor Leader in his first Senate term. He previously served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he was selected by his colleagues as Democratic Leader and championed education, environmental protection, and economic development.
Anthony Kendall, Assistant Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences and AgBioResearch, Michigan State University
A lifelong Michigan resident, he studies how climate and land use impact water resources and the human and ecological systems that depend on them. His research reveals the hidden processes shaping water use and informs resource management decisions. Anthony is also a dedicated educator, training the next generation of scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Dan Thorell, Health Officer, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department
Dan Thorell is a public health leader with more than 29 years of experience in environmental health. He serves as health officer for the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. He was previously the Health Officer, Deputy Health Officer and
Environmental Health Director at the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. Thorell Executive currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan
Association of Local Public Health.
Megan Tinsley, Water Policy Director, Michigan Environmental Council
The Delta Charter Township resident comes to the Environmental Council with 12 years of combined experience at two Audubon Societies. She began as an Everglades science advocate and policy associate at Audubon Florida, where she coordinated with scientists and other allies to advance restoration projects like increasing freshwater flows to Florida Bay. She then moved to New Jersey Audubon as a conservation associate and a policy director.
