Rep. Runestad: Local communities awarded water protection grants

State Rep. Jim Runestad today announced the communities of Milford and White Lake Township have each been awarded grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to safeguard their public water supply systems.

Milford has been awarded $5,500 and White Lake Township will receive $5,250 from the Source Water Protection Grant Program.

Runestad, of White Lake, said the DEQ provides funds to local communities with public water systems to help develop and implement a source water protection program to prevent drinking water sources from becoming contaminated.

“Ensuring families have access to safe and clean water is one of the most important responsibilities of our local governments,” Runestad said. “These grants will enable the village of Milford and White Lake Township to maintain the health and well-being of people in their communities.”

As part of the program, communities relying on wells will define the area contributing drinking water to their wells, identify potential contaminants within that area and implement management strategies and educational activities to protect their water supply.

Collectively, the statewide grant awards total $477,000 for 42 communities.