Water Infrastructure

Small communities have the same problems as bigger ones with their water infrastructure - aging equipment and stormwater and sewage mains, leaking private septic systems, and rainwater ditches overwhelmed by heavier rains due to climate change. Eight Michigan rural communities will get USDA help fixing some of those issues.

Media coverage of the Flint water crisis often included pictures of the city’s 70-year-old water tower.

The money will fund lead pipe replacements, upgrading wastewater treatment and protecting water systems from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

Judge Elizabeth Kelly dismissed criminal charges against former government officials on Tuesday, citing a June Michigan State Supreme Court ruling.

A boil water advisory is still in place for seven counties serving more than 100,000 residents in southeast Michigan.

On today's show, we heard more information about a water main break in Southeast Michigan as well as recent difficulties within Michigan's cannabis industry. A special feature explored Colon Magic Week, and one Sheriff discussed reforms for the cost of incarceration.

The Great Lakes Water Authority said Saturday that it was working to isolate a break on a 120-inch water main in Port Huron. The authority said that water main is the largest in its system.

Advocates say the water affordability plan is welcome, but the community needs to be engaged for the plan.

Officials say that 70% of Detroiters will be eligible for some assistance with their water bill and that the majority of city residents will see a decrease in their water bill.

The quality of Michigan's water infrastructure and the consequences of failure, while still real and apparent, are no longer being ignored.