Cities around the Great Lakes region struggle with the cost of water maintenance and operation as their populations decline.
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
Many rural towns have neglected drinking water systems for decades
As some rural towns lose population and government funds shrink, some drinking water systems are one failure away from crisis.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Water woes loom for Michigan suburbs, towns after decades of disinvestment
Michigan cities rich and poor, big and small have been delaying maintenance on their water systems for decades. Now, even wealthy towns are suffering the consequences of past reluctance to pay for water system upkeep.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
After decades of neglect, bill coming due for Michigan’s water infrastructure
Federal and state governments begin to reverse course on underinvestment to address water’s true cost.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Join Bridge and Circle of Blue for a discussion about aging water infrastructure
On May 11, Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House and Circle of Blue’s Brett Walton will moderate a Zoom discussion about the crisis of crumbling water infrastructure in our state and region.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gas and oil industry report projects fuel price hikes if Enbridge Line 5 is shut down
A report suggests two regional refineries would close because they couldn’t get enough oil. Environmentalists dispute the report’s projections.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan may restrict withdrawals for bottled water like Nestle
Legal experts say the public trust doctrine in Michigan should be expanded to protect groundwater, but they don’t think legislators should target water bottling operations. They believe all users should be treated the same.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Line 5's impact on climate change being reviewed as part of tunnel decision
The Michigan Public Service Commission included climate change impact as it considers Enbridge Energy’s request to move its Line 5 oil pipeline from the lake bed of the Mackinac Straits to a proposed tunnel under the Straits.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A Grand Rapids lake and the consequences of Michigan’s road salt addiction
Pollution from road salt and nutrients has created a “ticking time bomb” in Church Lake. The lake’s predicament shows how the routines of modern life are quietly tainting Michigan’s waters.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan legislation would help homeowners pay for failing septic systems
There are an estimated 330,000 failing systems across Michigan, costing many thousands of dollars to repair. A measure touted as having bipartisan support would use American Rescue Plan funds to help pay the expense.