Public Alert System Regarding Water Contamination

Year: 2017

Resolution Number: 83

Action Taken: Approved

Status: Complete

Author(s): Laura Carravallah, MD, Deirdre Davis, Ismael Diallo, Margaret Hannah, Maseray Kamara, Kevin Lutley, Jeremiah Reenders, and Jonathan Weiss

Sponsor: Laura Carravallah, MD

On behalf of: Genesee County Delegation

Committee: D (Public Health)

Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS advocate for the existing "Code Red" text message system in Genesee County to include notices for elevated Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in addition to the current boil water advisory notices; and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS advocate that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality coordinate with local health departments to warn residents in a timely fashion of harmful TTHM contamination or any other violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act in the Flint water system, and provide information to the appropriate channels including Genesee County Law Enforcement Agencies to allow it to be disseminated through the existing "Code Red" phone alert system; and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS supports coordination between state and local health departments to provide specific electronic alerts in cases of compromised water quality (e.g., boil water notices, elevated TTHMs, harmful pathogens, or other parameters monitored by the Safe Drinking Water Act; and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS lobby the state Legislature to provide funding to advertise and promote the use of Genesee County's Code Red alert system. Efforts would be made to increase sign up for the program by increasing awareness and distributing informational pamphlets at various public health related avenues. (e.g. health fairs, clinics, water distribution sites, etc.); and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS advocate for the expansion of public health early warning systems such as Genesee County's Code Red alert system to other appropriate municipalities in Michigan.

Fiscal Note: NULL

Resolution: View PDF for Public Alert System Regarding Water Contamination

For More Information, Contact:

Stacey Hettiger , Director
Health Care Delivery
517-336-5732
shettiger@msms.org