Macomb Today

State Representative Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) has guided a bipartisan effort in the Michigan House to pass legislation aimed at improving public notification when local waterways are contaminated by raw sewage or harmful bacteria.

House Bill 4427, known as the “Brown Alert” plan, seeks to ensure that residents receive timely warnings when public drains, rivers, or lakes become unsafe due to E. coli or sewage contamination.

“When sewage spills happen, it’s a crappy situation, and the public deserves to know right away,” said St. Germaine. “From the local waterways behind your house to the lake where your kids swim, no one should be left guessing if the water’s clean or contaminated.”

The proposed law would require county health departments to notify their county emergency manager if they determine that water has reached dangerous levels of contamination and is unsafe for contact. The emergency manager would then use the Wireless Emergency Alert system to issue a “Brown Alert,” informing residents about unsafe conditions.

These alerts could cover hazards related to swimming areas, drinking water safety, and potential risks to fish and wildlife in affected communities.

“This is about public health and transparency,” said St. Germaine. “Quick communication can prevent illness, protect ecosystems, and hold agencies accountable for keeping our water clean. Michigan’s water is too valuable to take for granted, and this plan makes sure we don’t just flush away responsibility.”