State Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) today applauded the Michigan House’s approval of the “Brown Alert” water safety plan, a measure to notify residents when raw sewage or dangerous bacteria contaminate local waterways.

House Bill 4427, co-sponsored by Robinson, would ensure the public is warned when nearby water becomes unsafe due to E. coli or sewage contamination. 

“When it comes to protecting Michigan families and our Great Lakes, information is power,” said Robinson. “If our waterways become contaminated, residents have a right to know right away. The ‘Brown Alert’ plan helps make sure people can make safe choices for their families and communities.”

Under this bill, when a county health department determines that a body of water has reached dangerous contamination levels where it is unhealth to touch, they must notify the county’s emergency manager. The emergency manager would then issue a “Brown Alert” through the Wireless Emergency Alert system, notifying residents of unsafe conditions.

 The alerts could warn communities of unsafe waterways, swimming areas, risks to drinking water, or potential harm to local fish and wildlife.

“When our water is at risk, families and communities need information immediately,” said Robinson. “This alert system helps people make safe decisions and gives local leaders the tools to respond quickly and protect our shared resources.”