Stay Safe During an Air Quality Alert

Stay Safe During an Air Quality Alert

wildfire smoke ready

Dear Friend,

Today, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) issued an air quality alert across the state. The alert remains in place, with air quality ranging from very unhealthy to hazardous. All Michiganders should limit time spent outdoors, especially seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

To check the air quality near you, visit Michigan.gov/MiAir. For additional information, please see resources and links below.

Stay safe, Michigan.

Sincerely,

signature

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Michigan Air Quality Impacted by Smoke and Fires This Week

Meteorologists at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have issued air quality alerts for high levels of fine particulate matter in the air. These levels are caused by smoke from wildfires, primarily occurring in Canada.

How to sign up for alerts:

You can sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. This subscriber system allows you to choose the area you would like to get alerts for. The system will send the alert directly to your email or send you a text message.

Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality is and the more cause for concern.

Currently the AQI for particulate matter (PM) is high in many parts of Michigan due to wildfires in parts of Canada. The AQI is used for several major pollutants including ground-level ozone and particulates.

aqi

Protecting your health during smoke events

It is suggested to take the following steps to reduce exposure, especially for people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Keep outdoor activities short.
  • Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
  • Avoid breathing smoke. The best place to be is inside a building that has good air quality.
  • Check local Air Quality Index.
  • Use MERV 13+ air filters.

Follow MDHHS and EGLE on social media for the most recent health and safety information:

Additional helpful resources:

These resources may be helpful to you if you are looking to learn more about air quality in your area, specifically around wildfires and smoke impacts.

Oakland County Market Days

Oakland County Market Days

Annual Family Market Day Events Support Healthy Eating and Local Farmers

Post Date:07/17/2026 10:28 AM
Pontiac, Mich. — The Healthy Oakland Partnership encourages Oakland County residents to participate in its annual Family Market Day events this summer. To purchase fresh produce from local farmers, $5 coupons will be available for those who have Michigan Bridge Cards or are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) for Women, Infants and Children.

“Family Market Days help connect Oakland County families to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers,” said Kate Guzmán, Oakland County’s health officer. “These events promote healthy eating habits and encourage families to purchase nutritious food while learning about community resources and enjoying fun activities at local farmers markets.”

Family Market Days will take place:

  • Thursday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Oak Park Farmers Market,14100 Oak Park Blvd., in Oak Park
  • Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford

Coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used during the event. Coupon distribution will end 30 minutes prior to the market’s closing. No registration will be necessary.

 In addition to the coupons, resources and a variety of activities for families will be available. Family Market Day at the Oak Park Farmers Market will include face-painting and a petting zoo, and the event at the Oakland County Farmers Market will include inflatables and giant yard games. Family Market Days are made possible in part by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, Genysis Credit Union, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, Trinity Health and Vibe Credit Union.

For more information, visit oakgov.com/health, follow @PublicHealthOC on Facebook, X or Instagram or call the Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

 Healthy Oakland Partnership

 The Healthy Oakland Partnership was launched by the Oakland County Health Division in 2009 as a collaboration of the local government, hospitals, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, businesses and citizens working to increase and promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities. The HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage entire families in healthy eating practices and encourage physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.

For media inquiries, contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County public information officer, at 248-858-1048.

Michigan DNR News

Michigan DNR News

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DNR News

2026 Michigan Duck Stamp by Adam Oswald

July 21, 2026
Contact: Jonathan Massung, 989-667-0717 or Ryan Soulard, 989-510-8821

Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival brings family fun to Bay City State Park

Duck box buildingThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the 31st annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, at Bay City State Park.

The festival runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Event admission is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for all vehicles entering the park, which is located at 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City.

With family-friendly food trucks, a Smokey Bear bounce house, touch-a-truck and activities for kids, the festival aims to engage the next generation in Saginaw Bay’s conservation heritage. Kids can build their own wood duck boxes, give duck calling a try and learn about survival and outdoor skills.

“Tens of thousands of migratory birds journey to the Saginaw Bay region’s unique wetland habitats each year,” DNR wildlife biologist Ryan Soulard said. “Our goal for this festival is to showcase the arts, skills and traditions of waterfowl hunting and the conservation stewardship that goes into our region in a family-friendly way. Whether you’re interested in waterfowl hunting, birding, wildlife watching or environmental conservation, the festival can connect you with the waterfowl heritage that makes the Saginaw Bay special.”

Youth archeryNew this year, eventgoers can participate in free clinics on nature photography, hiking in Michigan, hunting turkeys and elk, hunting with dogs and duck calling. A packed vendor row will feature over 50 vendors offering outdoor and hunting gear and opportunities to engage in conservation.

Visitors can experience waterfowl hunting traditions such as dog retrievals, duck species identification, and duck and goose calling competitions — including the Michigan state qualifier for the world championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Michigan Duck Stamp competition

The Michigan Duck Hunters Association Duck Stamp Contest judging will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at noon in the park’s Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. All contest entries will be on display for the public. The Michigan Duck Stamp Program raises money for wetland habitat restoration and habitat acquisition for waterfowl. A portion of every waterfowl stamp and print purchased goes toward Michigan wetland habitat restoration.

Hunter education field day

New hunters will have an opportunity to complete a hunter education field day during the festival Sunday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Preregistration is required. To participate in this field day, hunters must complete an online, interactive or take-home study course in advance, and present their certificate of completion at the field day.

Registration is available online. Learn more about obtaining a hunter safety certificate at Michigan.gov/HunterSafety.

Lagoon fishing

The value of wetlands

The Saginaw Bay region is a vital ecosystem with wetland habitats like the Tobico Marsh at Bay City State Park, and nearby Nayanquing Point and Fish Point. These areas are major stopovers for North America’s waterfowl populations during fall and spring migration.

Through the sale of hunting licenses and excise taxes, Michigan’s waterfowl hunters are major contributors to wetland conservation. In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl, wetlands are natural filtration systems for contaminants that flow into our watersheds from industry, agriculture and transportation.

“When we take care of wetland habitats, we improve the quality of groundwater and the Great Lakes — providing clean drinking water to millions of people,” Soulard said. “The Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival is a celebration of this important work to protect both waterfowl and the wetlands they call home.”

Festival sponsors

The Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, Frank’s Great Outdoors, Friends of Bay City State Park, GK World Championship Calls, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, SC Johnson and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.


Note to editors: The accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Duck stamp: The 2026 Michigan Duck Stamp by Adam Oswald.
  • Wood duck box: DNR staff help children build wood duck boxes to take home and install in trees near wetlands. These boxes have helped restore wood duck populations throughout Michigan.
  • Archery: Eventgoers have an opportunity to try archery at the Saginaw Bay Waterfowl & Outdoor Festival.
  • Fishing: Fishing equipment is available to borrow at the Tobico Marsh lagoon dock throughout the event. This is a great spot for birding and wildlife viewing as well.
Steele Bill Preserves Three-judge Bench

Steele Bill Preserves Three-judge Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026

Steele bill preserves three-judge bench at 48th District Court

State Rep. Donni Steele today led the Michigan House in approving legislation to preserve a third judgeship at the 48th District Court, helping ensure residents across Oakland County continue to receive timely access to the local court system.

Steele’s plan would eliminate a planned elimination of one District Court judgeship at the 48th District Court in Oakland County, which serves Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, and Sylvan Lake. The legislation would maintain the current level of 3 District Judges.

“Our fundamental responsibility as a government is to protect our citizens,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “The 48th District Court handles a wide range of cases that affect families, businesses, property owners, and public safety. Preserving this judgeship helps ensure residents can continue receiving timely and effective service from their local court.”

The 48th District Court is currently scheduled under state law to lose one judgeship through attrition when a qualifying vacancy occurs. The provision was enacted as part of a broader statewide effort to reduce judicial positions more than a decade ago.

Steele said circumstances have changed significantly since then.

“When these reductions were adopted years ago, Michigan’s legal landscape looked very different,” Steele said. “Since then, the Legislature has enacted major reforms affecting criminal justice, landlord-tenant law, auto insurance, expungements, and many other areas. Today’s courts are handling more responsibilities and more complex cases than lawmakers could have anticipated in 2011.”

Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, and the City of Birmingham passed resolutions supporting this legislation. They recognize the importance of preserving timely access to justice, preventing case backlogs and delays, and ensuring the continued efficient operation of the 48th District Court.

“The role of government is to protect people, their rights, and their property through a fair and effective legal system,” Steele said. “This legislation helps ensure the residents served by the 48th District Court continue to have access to the level of judicial service they expect and deserve.”

House Bill 4833 now advances to the Senate for consideration.

Update: Water Main Break FAQ and Resource Links

Update: Water Main Break FAQ and Resource Links

Water Main Break FAQ

Where can I find the most recent update?
A press conference was held on May 13 at 2:00 p.m. providing the most recent updates. WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE RECORDING HERE

An update meeting for restaurant community members was held at 1 p.m. to discuss health and safety protocols for restaurant operations.
View a recording of the Water Break Restaurant Update meeting here. 

What are the modifications to Orion Township water use restrictions?
Water use restrictions have been lifted (effective May 13, 2026 2:00 p.m.). Residents and businesses may resume normal water use. The Boil Water Advisory remains in place until further notice.

Again, while moving back toward normal, our boil water alert is still in effect. We encourage everyone to review all boil water advisory guidelines from Public Health Oakland here.

Read what to do RIGHT NOW, during a boil water advisory. 
Read what to do AFTER the boil water advisory is lifted .

Both Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion have signed orders rescinding Fire and Life Safety Evacuation. 

View Orion Township’s Order Rescinding Fire & Life Safety Evacuation here. 
View the Village of Lake Orion’s Order Rescinding Fire & Life Safety Evacuation here. 

Where can I get water?
 3 water distribution stations will remain in place until the boil water advisory is lifted.

Water Distribution Station Hours:
Thursday (5/14): 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday (5/15): 8 a.m. – 7 p.m
Saturday (5/16): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
Sunday (5/17): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m

Water Distribution Station Locations:
Wildwood Amphitheater 
2700 Joslyn Court
Lake Orion, MI 48360
NOTE: PLEASE ENTER OFF OF WALDON AND EXIT OFF OF JOSLYN

Village of Lake Orion
Atwater Park
426 Atwater Street
Lake Orion, MI 48362

Auburn Hills 
Auburn Hills Department of Public Works
1500 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Can I flush my toilet?
Yes!

Can I shower?
Yes! Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.

Can I use my dishwasher or washing machine?
Yes!

Can I use my sprinkler system?
Yes!

Can I use tap water to make coffee?
No! Bottled water is recommended for coffee machines. Coffee machines do not heat water to a temperature sufficient for decontamination. Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.

Can I use non-boiled tap water to wash my hands?
Yes! Using hand sanitizer afterward is also recommended. Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.

When can we expect the boil water advisory to be lifted? 
The boil water advisory is in place until further notice. The boil water advisory will be lifted as soon as safely possible.

What about restaurants?
At this time, restaurants may operate their kitchens and water use at normal levels. However, the Boil Water Advisory remains in place.
From a boil water advisory standpoint, commercial dishwashers are considered safe for sanitation purposes. Tap water filtered through coffee machines is not safe to drink. Fountain drinks connected to the tap water system is not safe to drink. Food preparation must be done following Boil Water Advisory guidelines for safe food preparation and handling.

Food establishments are encouraged to view our local health official’s Food Service Emergency Action Plan here. 

It is okay for patrons and employees to use restrooms and wash their hands. While the boil water advisory is in effect, hand sanitizer should be used after handwashing.

Please direct any additional health or sanitation concerns to health@oakgov.com.

When can I/my loved one return to their assisted living facility?
Residents at assisted living facilities may return. Please check with your facility to learn about the return plan.

Is the Orion Recreation Center (ORC) open?
With use restrictions now lifted, the ORC and indoor pool (back up to temp!) will be open tomorrow as usual. However, as we remain under a boil water advisory, the drinking fountains and steam room will not be available for use at this time.

When will schools reopen?
Schools may reopen when they are prepared to do so, operating under boil water advisory guidelines.

How do I safely handle food and hygiene during a boil water advisory ?
View Great Lakes Water Authority’s Water Boil Advisory FAQ here. 
Review Oakland County Health Guidelines for Boil Water Advisory.
Food establishments are encouraged to view our local health official’s Food Service Emergency Action Plan here. 

How do I signup to receive emergency alerts?
All Orion residents are encouraged to subscribe to receive  free emergency alerts through CivicPlus. Residents can also text OrionMI to 38276 to subscribe.

How can I subscribe to receive email updates?
Email updates have been sent through GovDelivery.
Subscribe to either an Orion Township or Orion Parks & Recreation distribution list.

How can I help others during this emergency?
Reach out to homebound neighbors or anyone who might need special assistance.
If you’re on well water, open your water source to friends, neighbors, the public to the extent you’re comfortable.
Sign up to volunteer at one of our water distribution sites.
Sign up to volunteer a service.

Residents are currently being provided with one gallon of water per person in the household. If a distribution site temporarily runs out of water, supply trucks will replenish inventory and return as quickly as possible (typically within a few hours) to resume distribution operations.

What if I am an essential business and have not been provided with sanitation support?
Complete the Businesses Seeking Information from OTFD request form.

What are other information sources or resources I should use/aware of? 
Oakland Connects
(800) 848-5533

Great Lakes Water Authority

Oakland Connects Helpline (formerly Nurse on Call):
Call 800-848-5533
OCHelpline@oakgov.com

Oakland County Michigan Health Department

Orion Township  Facebook

Water Distribution Site Volunteer Signup

Volunteer Signup for those offering a service

Businesses with questions for the Fire Department request form