Water supply: conservation; permit for water used for consumptive use purposes; provide for. Amends secs. 32705, 32708a, 32713 & 32723 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32705 et seq.) & adds sec. 32723a.

Michigan Senate Bill 1046, introduced on June 18, 2026, aims to update the state's water laws by streamlining the registration process for large-scale water withdrawals and introducing new requirements for water conservation and reporting. The bill primarily affects property owners, agricultural operators, and industrial facilities planning to extract significant amounts of water, requiring them to register their intended capacity before beginning operations. It mandates the state to develop and post generic water conservation measures for different sectors, with specific rules for agriculture and data centers. Additionally, facilities permitted under the new provisions must submit annual reports on wastewater usage and pollutant levels. The bill also clarifies exemptions for smaller residential wells and test wells and establishes a timeline for property owners to develop their water capacity after registration or face invalidation of their application.

MI SB1046 is a senate bill in the Michigan 103rd Legislature, sponsored by Rosemary Bayer (D), currently “Introduced” since June 18, 2026.

We track 4,230 Michigan bills this session, 55 of them sponsored by Rosemary Bayer.

Supporters of SB1046 argue that the bill enhances water conservation efforts by ensuring that large-scale water users are accountable for their consumption and environmental impact. By requiring registration and annual reporting, the legislation promotes transparency and responsible water use. The development of sector-specific conservation measures is seen as a proactive step toward sustainable water management, particularly benefiting agriculture and data centers. The bill's provisions are expected to help protect Michigan's water resources, including the Great Lakes, by preventing over-extraction and pollution.

Critics of SB1046 express concerns that the additional registration and reporting requirements may impose administrative burdens on businesses and property owners, potentially leading to increased operational costs. Some argue that the bill's focus on large-scale withdrawals might overlook cumulative impacts of smaller withdrawals, which could also affect water resources. There is also apprehension that the bill's exemptions for certain wells might create loopholes, undermining the overall effectiveness of the legislation in conserving water.