Drinking Water Testing for Filter First Compliance
Michigan Water Testing for Schools and Child Care Centers
Michigan schools and child care centers now have ongoing drinking water testing responsibilities under the state’s Filter First laws. These requirements focus on providing filtered drinking water to children and documenting that filtered fixtures continue to perform as intended. Schools must test filtered water annually, and licensed child care centers must test filtered water every two years.
We provide drinking water testing forFilter First compliance for Michigan schools and child care centers. Our services are focused on sampling, documentation, and reporting. We do not provide filter installation or maintenance services.
Water Testing for Filter First Compliance
Michigan’s Filter First program requires schools and child care centers to develop a Drinking Water Management Plan (DWMP), install lead-reducing filters on consumptive fixtures, and perform ongoing filtered water testing. Schools were required to have DWMPs completed by January 24, 2025. Child care centers must ensure children are furnished filtered drinking water by October 24, 2025, and schools must have approved filters on all consumptive fixtures by the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
Our role is to help clients meet the testing and documentation side of those requirements by collecting samples and reporting results for Filter First compliance.
Our Water Testing Services
Our drinking water testing services can include:
- sampling of filtered drinking water fixtures,
- fixture-by-fixture water testing for lead,
- sampling support tied to the facility’s DWMP,
- documentation of test results for compliance records,
- resampling support when follow-up testing is needed,
- and reporting to help schools and child care centers maintain their Filter First files.
Michigan’s current sampling guidance says results should be recorded and filed with the DWMP, and it lays out follow-up steps when lead is detected. For example, if filtered water tests above 5 ppb, the fixture should be shut off or made inoperable immediately.
Why Water Testing Matters
Testing is how schools and child care centers verify that their filtered drinking water program is functioning as intended. It also creates a record of fixture performance over time and helps identify when follow-up action may be needed.
For administrators and facility managers, that documentation is an important part of compliance. Michigan’s guidance ties filtered water test results directly to the facility’s DWMP and ongoing Filter First responsibilities.
Need drinking water testing for Filter First compliance in Michigan?
Request a quote today for school and child care water testing, sampling, and compliance documentation.
FAQs
Do you provide Filter First installation services?
No. We provide water testing for Filter First compliance. We do not provide filter installation or maintenance services.
How often do Michigan schools have to test filtered water?
Michigan schools must test filtered water annually under the Filter First program.
How often do Michigan child care centers have to test filtered water?
Licensed child care centers must test filtered water every two years under the Filter First program.
What happens if lead is detected in filtered water?
Michigan’s Filter First sampling guidance says follow-up depends on the result. If filtered water tests above 5 ppb, the fixture should be shut off or made inoperable immediately.
Do schools and child care centers need a DWMP?
Yes. Michigan’s Filter First laws require a Drinking Water Management Plan for schools and child care centers.