Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill into law sponsored by State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) that helps rural wastewater customers. Reis introduced HB 1914 on behalf of EJ Water Cooperative and rural customers seeking new wastewater service.

“I am proud to have sponsored HB 1914 to enable non-profit companies to add wastewater services to residents that are not served by a sanitary district,” Reis said. “Many rural communities are in need of wastewater services that meet environmental requirements and this law will help in that regard.”

Currently, non-profit water companies can utilize public ground for water supply lines, but are not specifically authorized to utilize public land in the same way if the community also wants wastewater services.

“Some of the more rural areas in my district do not have a local government or special district that is capable, qualified or close enough to provide sewer service,” Reis said. “Some of these areas receive their water service from a private company, such as EJ Water Cooperative, and would like to purchase their wastewater services.”

EJ Water Co-Op representative Bill Teichmiller says he appreciates Rep. Reis’ efforts on behalf of rural wastewater customers.

“It can be a long and arduous process to change the law,” Teichmiller said. “But, Representative Reis thoroughly worked through the process and made this major change in a very short amount of time. We want to thank him for understanding this issue really does effect a lot of families in the rural parts of our state. We’re proud to offer wastewater services in rural areas and this law is going to help us do that for more families.”