Source Water Protection Grants

The Michigan Source Water Protection (SWP) Grant Program is designed to support the development and implementation of local SWP programs that align with the State of Michigan's guidelines. Grant-eligible activities must be conducted within the Source Water Protection Area (SWPA) or a one-mile radius of low tritium public water supply wells. These activities focus on protecting public water supplies from contamination by addressing risks and promoting sustainable management strategies. Eligible activities include the formation of a local SWP team, which must consist of at least three members, including the Public Water Supply Superintendent and a municipal representative. The team is responsible for developing and maintaining the SWP program, meeting quarterly, and reporting to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Delineation activities, such as compiling hydrogeologic information, installing observation wells, surveying, and groundwater modeling, are also eligible for grant funding. If necessary, EGLE may also approve funding for additional monitoring wells and tritium testing in areas with limited well access, low tritium supplies, or known groundwater contamination. The grant supports contaminant source inventory activities, which involve record searches, general surveys, on-site facility inspections, and mapping potential contamination sources within the SWPA. Updating the inventory and identifying abandoned wells are also covered. Management strategies eligible for funding include the development of best management practices to reduce groundwater contamination risks, creating resolutions or ordinances related to SWP, improving facility management through inspections, and incorporating SWP into municipal land-use plans. However, activities such as the actual sealing of abandoned wells or purchasing real estate are not eligible. Contingency planning and emergency response protocols within the SWPA, or a one-mile radius for low tritium public water supplies, are also grant-eligible activities. In contrast, capital improvements like emergency water connections are not funded. Public participation activities, such as educational programs, curriculum development, media announcements, and the production of SWP-related materials, are grant eligible. Additionally, promoting SWP through signage and advertisements for hazardous waste collection events is supported, though the collection of hazardous waste itself is not eligible. This program provides a broad scope of activities aimed at protecting Michigan’s public water supplies, with detailed eligibility guidelines to ensure effective use of funds. Applicants must consult EGLE for clarity on activities that may not be covered under the grant program.