Climate change is already affecting the Great Lakes. One group is urging Michigan, other Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces to coordinate efforts to make the Great Lakes basin more resilient to those changes.
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.
Join Bridge, Circle of Blue to discuss Michigan lawmakers’ water priorities
On Jan. 25, Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House will moderate a Zoom discussion about the priorities for water in the 2023 Michigan Legislature.
Uncertainty for Michigan rivers, residents as Consumers reconsiders its 13 dams
The century-old dams are expensive to maintain, generate little energy and are generally harmful to rivers and native fish. But their reservoirs bring boaters, visitors and lake houses that help support small communities.
Broad support cited for expanding Michigan wetlands
Democrats and Republicans, hunters, fishers and birding groups want Michigan to invest $30 million in federal funds for wetlands to help reduce algal blooms in Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay.
Torrent of manure overwhelms Michigan regulators
Too much waste spread on too little land causes worst of Michigan’s water pollution.
Michigan farmers using too much fertilizer, hurting water quality efforts
Run-off promotes toxic algae blooms, but farmers and other phosphorus producers are reluctant to alter practices.
US Water Alliance honors Bridge Michigan, Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge is part of Great Lakes News Collaboration, which won the US Water Prize for its examination of Michigan’s infrastructure crisis.
Farms in 6 southeast Michigan counties are major sources of Lake Erie toxic blooms
Water sampling finds no reduction in bloom-producing nutrients.
Danger looms where toxic algae blooms
Billions spent on strategies to limit nutrient pollution that don’t work.
Join Bridge and Circle of Blue to discuss Great Lakes, algae blooms
The blooms are a threat to drinking water, beaches and our way of life. Join a Zoom discussion Sept. 14 to learn what is being done.