LANSING, Mich. (July 25, 2025) — With ongoing water infrastructure issues causing conflict between Oakland and Macomb counties, Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield) urges local and state officials to work together to address the root problems and improve water infrastructure in the region and around the state. Sen. Bayer has worked with legislative colleagues, local government, stakeholders, and residents to craft Stormwater Management Utility legislation, Senate Bill 441, that would help reduce storm-related sewer overflows.
Sen. Bayer issued the following statement on the region’s water issues:
“As a lawmaker, an environmental advocate, and a Michigander, I hate to see any pollution or contamination that impacts the freshwater lakes and streams we all hold so dear. This includes the recent issues relating to sewer overflows in Oakland and Macomb counties during an intense rainfall event in April 2025.
“I’m particularly disappointed that the recent focus has been more on pointing fingers than resolving the core issue and want to help set the record straight. Both counties had overflows that day as a result of massive rainwater from the storm, and Macomb County, Oakland County and all the surrounding areas would benefit most by cooperating and addressing the stormwater management challenge together.
“It is imperative that southeast Michigan focus on a regional solution to our water infrastructure issues. Solving this crisis requires collaboration, and right now, we should be supporting each other instead of attacking our neighbors. The failures that led to the massive sewer flow evidence a bigger problem: local governments have no framework from the state to inform their stormwater management systems. My Stormwater Management Utility legislation, SB 441, offers the solution.
“Water doesn’t follow lines on a map. It’s time for all counties in Southeast Michigan to get to work on managing stormwater — together!”