By Staff
LANSING – Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation that will help protect Michigan's vast water resources, including the Great Lakes, by significantly reducing the amount of phosphorus contained in household dish and laundry detergents sold in Michigan.
"Today, we are taking another step forward in protecting our Great Lakes," Granholm said Jan. 6. "By limiting our impact on Michigan's waters, we are insuring that they will stay clean and safe for future generations of Michigan families."
Household detergents are known to be significant sources of phosphorus in Michigan's wastewater stream.
Discharges of excessive phosphorus have been shown to be contributors to increased algal blooms, decreased fish populations and an overall decline in water quality.
Beginning July 1, 2010, the new law will limit the amount of phosphorus contained in household detergents to 0.5 percent, down from levels currently as high as 8.7 percent.
"Michigan's economic renewal depends on keeping our water clean," said Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry, Jr. "The reduction of phosphorus will help protect and restore our waters and shoreline communities, making our state more attractive to talented workers and new businesses."
Low phosphorus laundry and dishwasher detergents are already available to consumers in Michigan, and it is anticipated that additional products will become readily available with the enactment of the new limits.
Senate Bills 362 (P.A. 426) and 152 (P.A. 427) were sponsored by Sen. Patricia Birkkolz, R-Saugatuck, and Sen. Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor, respectively.