Water

Includes water quality, quantity and use.

Large lakes worldwide share many of the same threats

By Ray García | August 19, 2019

By Ray García

Algae pollution, plastic pollution and waste run-off plague the Great Lakes here in the United States. But similar problems also threaten large bodies of freshwater worldwide. The seven African Great Lakes and Lake Baikal in Russia, two of the world’s largest systems of freshwater, also face these problems daily. During the summer, a rapid growth of algae is among the most prominent challenges in Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. These algal blooms harm the lake animals and can harm humans as well.

“Forever chemical” replacements on the rise in the Great Lakes

U.S., Canadian officials seek input on water quality progress

Commentary: Universities are an important part of the nonprofit media landscape

A crack in the Great Lakes Compact? Approved water diversion prompts pushback

Water

“Our community is a fishing community:” Michigan tribe seeks to set its own water standards

By Andrew Blok | June 19, 2019

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, heavily reliant on fish, berries and wild rice, wants to join the 60 other US tribes who the feds have granted control over setting water regulations.

Commentary

Commentary: US drinking water mostly safe; that’s not good enough

By Joan Rose | May 31, 2019

A grade of 92 is an A at most schools, but for tap water it means that millions of Americans drink water that fails to met federal standards.

Algae

Granting rights to a resource

By Kelsi Kroll | April 29, 2019

Lake Erie Bill of Rights under fire.

Areas of Concern

Cuyahoga cleanup means it’s safer to eat Cuyahoga fish

By Andrew Blok | April 26, 2019

It is one step in a decades long cleanup after the river and its fires helped spark environmental awareness nationwide.

groundwater

Groundwater reform needs to happen now, experts say

By Kelsi Kroll | April 24, 2019

A “silent crisis” is brewing beneath Michigan, that threatens what experts say could be considered Michigan’s Sixth Great Lake.

Art

Paddling partners show how to explore Michigan’s Leelanau County

By Cassidy Hough | April 22, 2019

School retirees and friends blaze a trail across the region’s waterways and tell others how to follow.

Catch of the Day

East Lansing launches 20-year plan to address lead exposure

By Kayla Effner | April 17, 2019

East Lansing, Michigan, is gathering information about lead contamination in resident water services. Notices regarding the potential threat were issued in November.

Great Lakes

Cuts to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative proposed again in federal budget

By Maxwell Evans | March 22, 2019

For the third straight year federal officials are threatening to cut the budget for restoring contaminated sites in the Great Lakes. And while Congress has so far resisted such cuts, environmental officials fear the constant attacks on the popular program.

Homepage Featured

Invasive species control requires more than talk

By Angela Mulka | February 20, 2019

Study examines how what boaters are told about invasive species influences their actions.

Algae

Monitoring algal blooms in the Great Lakes Basin

By Kurt Williams | February 13, 2019

This is how algal blooms are monitored in the Great Lakes Basin.