Acing Filter First Compliance with FM Software

Michigan law mandates school districts follow state standards to ensure students and staff have access to clean drinking water.

All public schools must install lead-reducing filters on all consumptive water fixtures and require regular testing by next summer.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved $50 million in grant funding to schools across the state for bottle-filling stations, faucet-mount filters, filtered water pitchers, and replacement cartridges to protect students from lead.

Despite the benefit to safety, the program brings tight deadlines, infrastructure challenges, and disruptions to daily operations. 

The state created templates and other resources to help districts track their Filter First compliance. However, many leading school systems are leveraging the latest industry technology to simplify the process, minimize disruptions, and maximize efficiency ahead of state requirements. 

Let’s explore how facilities management software is helping. 

How facilities management software aids Filter First compliance

In response to last decade’s Flint Water Crisis, the state instituted a wide-sweeping initiative designed to make public schools’ water higher quality and lead-free. 

Schools must have approved filters on all consumptive fixtures by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

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Tracking installation tasks

The deadline for installing new lead-reducing filters is quickly approaching. And with an already long list of tasks, facilities employees have plenty to manage. With FM software, leaders can track that drinking fountains have compliant filtration systems.

Schools can log installation dates, locations, and technician details for each fixture while also providing a way to attach photos and documentation for verification. This allows leaders to ensure they close any compliance gaps and provide the state with verification. 

Maintenance monitoring and task scheduling

Installation is just the beginning of Filter First compliance. Schools must continue to maintain water filters, changing them as needed. A facilities management platform helps by automating maintenance scheduling and task assignment.

Good software ensures that maintenance employees perform filter compliance tasks at the required intervals. Automated reminders and work orders help maintenance teams stay ahead, reducing the risk of oversight and ensuring continuous compliance with the Filter First requirements. ​

Documentation and compliance reporting 

Maintaining detailed records of all maintenance activities, filter changes, and water quality tests is essential for compliance. Industry-leading platforms generate comprehensive reports. These can help your district demonstrate adherence to the law and provide transparency to stakeholders ahead of the law’s mandated deadline. 

Increased visibility

Facilities management platforms increase visibility. From giving users the ability to drill down into maintenance tasks to creating interactive maps, best-in-class software creates more transparency. 

Features like interactive maps allow leaders to monitor the entirety of their school. They can plot filter locations, store information about each of these access points, and route technicians to their location to perform tasks. This added visibility gives schools a better ability to adhere to Filter First compliance standards.  

Better inventory management 

An effective FM solution enables schools to create a comprehensive inventory of all drinking water fixtures, documenting details such as installation dates, filter types, and maintenance histories. Facilities professionals utilize this centralized database to manage inventory effectively. It reduces unnecessary ordering costs and facilitates proactive maintenance and compliance tracking. ​

Leveraging FMX for Filter First compliance 

Filter First is an important consideration for Michigan K-12 facilities leaders. While its importance to school success is significant, its integration into workflows shouldn’t derail employees. 

FMX helps Michigan school districts adhere to Filter First compliance standards and tackle their other important maintenance tasks. We’re designed by facilities leaders for facilities leaders to ensure industry professionals get what they need to succeed.