Do you find the health, safety, and welfare of our drinking water important to you? Do you have time to volunteer for a position that will help influence the public education and awareness of drinking water consumed by Bay County residents? Do you want to help your community in the effort to eliminate the presence of lead in the drinking water? If you answered yes to any of these questions you’ll want to continue reading.
In 2018, changes were made to the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, PA 399 of 1976. One of the LCR changes, requires the creation of a Water System Advisory Council (WSAC) for any community with greater than 50,000 residents. The WSAC should consist of at least five members and should include individuals with a demonstrated interest in or knowledge about lead in drinking water and its effects. At least one member must be a local resident who does not formally represent the interests of any incorporated organization. As required by the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Bay County has been established as established a WSAC for all of its consecutive water systems.
Water System Advisory Council
Members of Bay Area Water System’s WSAC are as follows:
| Chair: | Ron Cambell, 2023 to 2026 |
| Vice Chair: | Glenn Rowley, 2025 to 2028 |
| Members: | Terri Close, 2025 to 2028 |
| Bob Dion, 2023 to 2026 | |
| Martin Jurish, 2026 to 2029 | |
| Resident Members: | Luke Jankowski, 2026 to 2029 |
| Water Utility Representatives: | Ryan Goebel, Bay County DWS Director |
| Carl Overly, Water Plant Superintendent |
One of the goals of the WSAC is to establish a clear communication pathway between residents and their water utility and promote informational transparency between the two. If you’re are interested in joining the WSAC, please email WTPSuper@baycountydwsmi.gov
Bay Area Water System’s WSAC currently meets twice a year. Due to lead in drinking water being a primary focus of WSACs, these meeting are coordinated around the anticipated lead and copper (L&C) sampling period. With all associated communities being in some form of reduced monitoring, their sampling periods fall between June 1st and September 30th. Bay Area Water System’s WSAC has historically met on the first Thursday in May and the first Thursday in September. The May meeting usually consists of reviewing last years L&C results, reviewing current years monitor schedules from EGLE, and discussing the current year’s L&C sampling plan. The September meeting usually consists of reviewing the current year’s L&C sampling results and providing an update on any regulatory changes.
Meetings are always held at the Bay Area Water Treatment Plant located at 2701 N. Euclid Ave, Bay City, Mi, 48706. This year’s meeting dates are as follows:
Meeting #1: May 7th, 2026, Meeting #2: September 3rd, 2026
Meeting Agendas
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Presentations
