Michigan’s “Filter First” Law: A Guide for Schools and Childcare Centers

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MI EGLE) recently unveiled a groundbreaking law called “Filter First.” This legislation mandates that all state’s K-12 schools and childcare centers install drinking water filters that meet specific certification requirements:

• NSF/ANSI 42: Particulate Class I Reduction
• NSF/ANSI 53: Lead Reduction

Eligible products include:

• Faucet-mount filters and
• Filters for drinking fountains/ bottle-filling stations equipped with a filter cartridge replacement status device (a light or other indicator that tracks when filter cartridges need replacement).

The law stipulates that schools and childcare facilities must have one water bottle filling station for every 100 students.

A recent study from NSF found that across the US, 79% of parents insist on only giving their kids filtered water from certified filters, and almost half of water filter buyers say unfiltered water is worse for their kids than soda, showing substantial concern from parents.

This is an opportunity to take a proactive approach to water safety. Check if your facility complies with the new legislation -- embrace the change, protect your community, and lead the way toward healthier futures.