The city was supposed to finish replacing all lead service lines in Flint by 2020. The work still isn’t done. The ruling includes no financial penalties.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Road salt use dips 37% in Michigan warm winter, saving millions, easing pollution
Michigan in poised to save $10 million alone in road salt costs. It’s a similar story for county road crews, bucking a trend of increased use — and pollution — in lakes, rivers and groundwater.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan residents mourn loss of snow, fear for future as winters vanish
Winter is changing in Michigan and may vanish in decades to come because of climate change. Bridge Michigan asked readers how they feel: Some see a wake-up call; others are relieved.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan climate change: How fish, forests, farms, moose, ticks will change
As winters shorten, the impact goes beyond skiing and ice fishing. Here are five ways the future will change.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Whitefish are on brink in Michigan. Can they learn to love rivers to survive?
A staple for centuries and ‘synonymous with northern Michigan,’ the fish are struggling to reproduce in the Great Lakes. So scientists hope to convince the whitefish to spawn in rivers, away from threats.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gretchen Whitmer seeks another $150M to restart Palisades nuclear plant
The plant could be a key for Michigan to realize its transition away from fossil fuels, but environmental groups are upset by the governor’s proposal to double the state’s financial support for Palisades.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As Michigan winters vanish, researchers study snow for clues about what’s next
Scientists once believed little important happened during winters. But as they vanish, the study of snowpack is increasing. ‘It brings home a reality that has been predicted for a long time,’ one U-M scientist says.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes Compact at 15: How states worked prevented water diversions
“The compact is a step forward for the Great Lakes but it’s just the beginning of a long journey.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can Michigan reduce phosphorus pollution getting into Lake Erie by 40%?
Michigan won’t reach the phosphorus reduction goal by 2025 as planned. It’s uncertain when it might attain that goal to help reduce cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Palisades owners plan two more Michigan nuclear reactors
Holtec International hopes to bring the small modular reactors online by 2030, but will first need to secure permits and overcome financial challenges that have stymied efforts to commercialize the nascent technology.