DEQ - Water

Water Quality

Protecting Michigan's Water
The DEQ ensures Michigan's water resources remain clean and abundant by establishing water quality standards, overseeing public water supplies, regulating the discharge of industrial and municipal wastewaters, monitoring water quality and the health of aquatic communities, developing policy, and fostering stewardship. Water-related program staff provide for the protection, restoration and conservation of Michigan's Great Lakes, inland lakes and streams, wetlands, and groundwater.
Draft 401 Certification for Presque Isle Harbor
Michigan's Process Regarding the Great Lakes Water Diversion Application by the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin
Michigan's Water Strategy
Water Quality News and Announcements
Michigan Surface Water Programs
Water Resources Division Metrics
Nutrient Framework to Reduce Phosphorus and Nitrogen Pollution

Quicklinks

Great Lakes

Michigan's Great Lakes
- Michigan's Great Lakes The Great Lakes are known for their beauty and the wealth of resources within and around them. The combined lakes contain one-fifth of the world's surface fresh water, with more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, the Great Lakes not only form Michigan's geography, but also shape our economy, society, and environment. The DEQ protects, preserves, and restores the Great Lakes through regulatory oversight with programs that range from the permitting of shore protection structures and dredging projects to the issuance of Great Lakes Bottomland Conveyances. The DEQ also operates non-regulatory activities for programs ranging from beach water monitoring, to the clean-up of Areas of Concern, and even the enhancement of public access to Great Lakes beaches.
- Water Levels Dashboard
- Michigan State of the Great Lakes 2015
- Office of the Great Lakes
Offshore Management
Explore the Lakes
- Michigan Great Lakes Coordination Program
- Michigan State of the Great Lakes 2015
Protection and Restoration
Water Quality Monitoring
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Nutrient Framework to Reduce Phosphorus and Nitrogen Pollution
Water Levels and Use
Shipping Industry
- Dredging Projects
- Ballast Water Reporting
Coastal Resources & Management

Drinking Water

Drinking Water
- DEQ Drinking Water Programs
  The DEQ has primary enforcement authority in Michigan for the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act under the legislative authority of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. As such, the DEQ has regulatory oversight for all public water supplies, including approximately 1,400 community water supplies and 10,000 noncommunity water supplies. The program regulates the water well drilling industry. Michigan has nearly (1.12 million) households served by private wells, with approximately 15,000 domestic wells drilled each year. The DEQ also investigates drinking water well contamination, and oversees remedial activities at sites of groundwater contamination affecting drinking water wells.
- Information about Lead and Copper in Drinking Water
- Sampling Guidance for Schools and Daycares on Community Water
- Quick Guide - Sampling Guidance for Schools and Daycares on Community Water
- Operator Training and Certifications
- DEQ Drinking Water Laboratory
- Other Certified Drinking Water Laboratories
- Public Swimming Pools
- Campgrounds
- Drinking Water Revolving Fund
Community
Contamination
Noncommunity
Water Well Construction

Lakes & Streams

Inland Lakes & Streams
- Protecting Michigan's Inland Lakes and StreamsMichigan has over 36,000 miles of streams, and more than 11,000 lakes and ponds. These precious water resources and the benefits they provide are protected by several state laws from impairment due to pollution, physical alterations and nuisance aquatic species. The State's water resources are monitored by the Department of Environmental Quality and partnering organizations to determine the water quality, the quantity and quality of aquatic habitat, the health of aquatic communities, and compliance with state laws.
Protection
Recreational Water
Surface Water
Water Quality Monitoring
- Nutrient Framework to Reduce Phosphorus and Nitrogen Pollution
- Water Quality Monitoring

Wastewater

Wastewater
- The DEQ has the responsibility to protect the public health and the environment by ensuring wastewater is properly handled and treated safely. This is achieved through a series of programs that provide:
  
  engineering reviews of public wastewater infrastructure projects (Wastewater Construction Permits);
  
  licensing of treatment plant operators (Operator Training and Certification);
  
  licensing of septage haulers and approval of receiving stations and land application (Septage regulation);
  
  the control of industrial pollutants into publicly owned treatment works (Industrial Pretreatment Program); and,
  
  the encouragement of the beneficial reuse of wastewater treatment plant residuals (Biosolids Program).
- Clean Water Revolving Fund
- Michigan Surface Water Programs
- Operator Training and Certifications
- Wastewater Security
- Industrial Pretreatment
- Groundwater Discharge Permit Program
- Wastewater Construction Permits: Part 41
- Licensing and Handling of Septage Waste
- Sanitary and Combined Sewer Overflow
Laws, Rules, and Criteria
Storm Water
Subdivisions & Condos
Onsite Wastewater
- Onsite Wastewater
Septage
Local Health Department Information

Wetlands

Wetlands Protection
- Protecting Michigan's WetlandsMichigan's wetlands law recognizes the important benefits provided by wetlands and their vital role in recreation, tourism, and the economy. Over thirty years ago, Michigan was the first state, and remains one of only two states, to have received authorization from the federal government to administer the federal wetland program. Because of this approval, wetlands, lakes, and streams permits issued by DEQ under state law also provide federal approval. This page can be accessed as www.mi.gov/wetlands
- What are wetlands and why are they important?
- Are there wetlands on my property?
- How are wetlands identified?
- State and Federal Wetland Regulations
- Local Wetland Regulations
- Wetland Permits
- Wetland Identification Program
- Pre-application Meeting - Wetlands and Inland Lakes and Streams
- Wetland Mitigation
- Wetland Mitigation Banking
- Great Lakes Shoreline Management
- Wetland Restoration and Watershed Planning
Announcements
No articles at this time.
Wetland Quick Links
Laws & Rules
- Part 303, Wetlands Protection, Rules
- Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended
Permits
Monitoring
Explore Michigan's Wetlands

Permits

Water Permits
- At DEQ, doing our best to help assure permits are issued timely is a common goal between DEQ and new businesses.
  If you need assistance identifying permits for a new venture, refer to our DEQ Permit Checklist first.
  
  If you have any questions, please contact the OEA, Permit Coordination program through our Environmental Assistance Hotline at 800-662-9278.
Wetlands, Lakes and Streams
Wastewater
Surface Water
Drinking Water
Groundwater
Recreation