Great Lakes Echo (http://greatlakesecho.org/tag/Water-quality/page/18/)
This tag is further segmented with tags for pharmaceuticals, plastics, sewage, algae
Earthworms help soil retain moisture.
And their tunnels helps the roots of cover crops penetrate more deeply into soil.
That kind of action reduces the amount of water running off the land and carrying the nutrients that can nourish explosive algae growth in the Great Lakes.
For the first time ever, federal authorities are banning an antibiotic in livestock because of fears that some diseases in people are becoming resistant to it.
Communities often struggle finding ways to dispose of household drugs. Michigan officials are funding community programs in an effort to keep the drugs out of water sources.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich has proposed a compromise to a controversial law, and the new bill highlights the complexities around the region’s water compact.
New York has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to bar boaters from dumping treated sewage into Lake Ontario. Proposal affects even discharge of sewage treated with on-board devices.
A system using satellite images and current predictions warns water treatment plant operators when to treat water to avoid four odors and taste. Now the forecasts are available to the public to help make swim decisions.
Legislation has passed and enforcement tightened. Yet leaking septic tanks continue to threaten human and environmental health.
The lack of funds to fix them remain a hurdle.
Ill maintained, leaky and overflowing septic tanks are polluting drinking water sources, rivers and lakes and causing serious health concerns in Great Lakes communities. AUG. 16
Leaky pipes: Researchers find sewage in most Milwaukee stormwater discharges
A recent study found almost 90 percent of storm water outfalls tested in Milwaukee contained human sewage
JULY 7:
Michigan on-site wastewater systems lack state oversight
When it comes to regulating septic systems, Michigan is a loner. It lacks statewide regulations to oversee the permitting and operations. JUNE 28:
Local governments search for funds to fix failing septic systems
Leaking septic tanks continue to threaten human and environmental health despite increased regulations, legislation and enforcement.
A new federal report says it’s cheaper and easier to test water quality from space than it is from a boat or a dock. Data gathered by hand can be extrapolated to satellite imagery.
It’s an important advance in lake-heavy regions where it is expensive and challenging to visit every body of water.
Still, gathering data the old-fashioned way is not obsolete.
Heavy rainfall often overflows Detroit sewers, dumping untreated human and industrial waste, toxic materials and other debris into streets and waterways.
Separating sanitary and storm systems is costly and time consuming. So Detroit is tackling water before it hits the streets.