HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2016.05.05 - 22359Commissioner Shelle# (Faub
District #12
Commissioner
District # 13
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #16127 M gid 7 ga LT,- BY: Commissioner Shelley Taub, District #12 Knitak .6-04"46-41
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — ESTABLISHMENT OF DRINKING WATER QUALITY
SPECIAL COMMITTEE
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS while 80% of the earth's surface is covered with water, only 1% of that water is suitable for
human consumption; and
WHEREAS the availability of safe, uncontaminated and affordable drinking water is necessary to maintain
the health, safety and economic well-being of Oakland County residents; and
WHEREAS aging infrastructure, pollution, terrorism, and poor conservation practices are among many
threats to our drinking water supplies; and
WHEREAS according to a recent Kaiser Health Tracking Poll, the public is increasingly concerned about
drinking water- respondents were asked a series of health issues facing the country, more than a third
(35%) identified contaminated drinking water as "extremely serious," behind cancer (43%) and similar to
heroin abuse (35%) and ahead of major diseases such as heart disease (27%) and diabetes (31%)"; and
WHEREAS the Kaiser poll also found significant evidence of eroding confidence among the public
regarding the ability of state governments to ensure safe drinking water- "only 26% of women and 33% of
men were very or extremely confident that state government could guarantee safe water"; and
WHEREAS lead contamination in the City of Flint's water supply has raised public awareness and
concern regarding the harmful effects of contaminated public drinking water on the public's health,
especially on children and other vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS aging infrastructure and facilities must be assessed to determine if such a threat exists to
Oakland County residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS the public's confidence in the drinking water supply is of paramount concern to ensure
continued economic growth of the region and investment in our communities; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners hereby establishes a Drinking
Water Supply Special Committee, consisting of two Commissioners from the majority party and one
Commissioner from the minority to be selected by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED study group's purpose shall be:
a) to address issues relating to drinking water quality and related environmental concerns;
b) identify and assess environmental and public health concerns related to providing safe
drinking water;
C) identify opportunities to improve drinking water supplies provided by public utilities and
private wells;
d) consulting with experts, government leaders, business owners, citizens and other individuals
that may be of assistance in meeting this charge
e) make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding policy initiatives related to
the study group's charge.
Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution.
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Resolution #16127 May 5,2015
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.