What is the Filter First Initiative?
Michigan’s Filter First initiative is a proactive approach to ensuring safe, lead-free drinking water in schools and childcare centers. Lead contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, particularly to young children, making early intervention and prevention critical. The Filter First program requires schools to:
- Develop and maintain a Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP)
- Install EGLE-approved lead-reducing filters on designated drinking and food prep water sources
- Conduct mandatory water testing before filtered water is used and on an ongoing basis
This initiative shifts the focus from reactive lead testing to preventing exposure before it happens, ensuring that schools and childcare facilities provide the safest possible drinking water for students and staff.
Key Compliance Deadlines & Requirements
To remain compliant, schools and childcare facilities must meet these critical Filter First deadlines:
✔ January 24, 2025: Schools must have a completed Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP) on file. While this plan does not need to be submitted to EGLE, it must be available upon request for parents, staff, and regulators. The DWMP must outline how water safety is being managed, including risk assessments, water testing schedules, and corrective action plans.
✔ End of the 2025-2026 School Year: Schools and childcare centers must install EGLE-approved lead-reducing filters at all required drinking and food prep water sources. This step ensures that water is filtered at the point of use, significantly reducing the risk of lead exposure.
✔ Ongoing Requirement: Schools must conduct post-installation water testing before using any newly filtered water sources. Additionally, annual and bi-annual water testing must be performed to ensure continued compliance and verify that filters remain effective over time.
How ETC Can Help Your District Stay Compliant
If your district missed the DWMP deadline or is still working to meet compliance requirements, ETC is here to help. With decades of experience in environmental testing and compliance, our team offers comprehensive, hands-on support to ensure your district meets all Filter First regulations without unnecessary stress.
1. Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP) Development & Support
Many schools and districts may not have the in-house expertise to develop a comprehensive Drinking Water Management Plan that aligns with EGLE’s requirements. ETC can:
✔ Draft and finalize your DWMP, ensuring all required components are addressed.
✔ Conduct risk assessments to identify areas of concern in your water system.
✔ Provide expert guidance on remediation strategies and corrective actions.
Even if your district already has a DWMP, we can review and update the plan to ensure it meets current regulatory standards and best practices.
2. Post-Installation Water Testing & Verification
Once lead-reducing filters are installed, schools must conduct water testing before use to confirm that filtration systems are working properly. ETC handles the entire process, including:
✔ Scheduling and conducting required water sampling
✔ Ensuring testing is performed by accredited labs
✔ Providing detailed reports and documentation for compliance purposes
This crucial step validates that your water is safe and avoids potential liability from using unverified sources.
3. Annual & Bi-Annual Compliance Testing
Compliance doesn’t stop after installation—schools are required to conduct ongoing water testing at regular intervals to ensure continued filter effectiveness. ETC offers:
✔ Hassle-free scheduling for required annual and bi-annual testing
✔ Accurate, certified testing with fast turnaround times
✔ Documentation support to help your district maintain full compliance with EGLE regulations
By partnering with ETC, your district can focus on education while we handle the logistics of staying compliant.
Why Choose ETC?
🔹 35+ Years of Experience – We’ve been helping schools, businesses, and remediation firms navigate environmental safety regulations since 1989.
🔹 Expert Guidance & Hassle-Free Compliance – We take the burden off your district by managing every step of the compliance process.
🔹 Certified Testing & Reliable Results – Our lab partnerships ensure high-quality, accurate water testing that meets EGLE standards.
🔹 Turnkey Solutions – From developing your DWMP to long-term monitoring, ETC provides comprehensive support to keep your school’s water safe and compliant.
RESOUCES
Download our Filter First Roadmap
Ensuring safe, lead-free drinking water in schools and childcare centers is a critical priority under Michigan’s Filter First initiative. If you missed the DWMP deadline or need help meeting compliance requirements, ETC has you covered.
Ensure Your District Stays Compliant – Download the Filter First Flyer!
Our Filter First Flyer provides a clear breakdown of the key deadlines and compliance requirements schools must meet under Michigan’s Filter First initiative. It offers step-by-step guidance on developing and finalizing Drinking Water Management Plans (DWMPs) and outlines how ETC can assist with water testing, filter verification, and long-term compliance solutions. Ensure your district stays ahead of regulations—download the flyer now to learn how ETC can help!