Water Infrastructure

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced over $7.3 million in grants to upgrade water infrastructure, replace lead service lines, and reduce or remove PFAS and other toxic contaminants.

The Great Lakes News Collaborative asked state and national experts how Michigan could break the cycle of underfunding and poor decision-making that has left water systems across Michigan in sorry shape.

Customers get cheaper, cleaner water when communities share the cost of infrastructure. But Michigan's experience shows how political conflicts and logistical challenges can complicate the math.

More communities gain access to the largest federal infusion in a half century.

If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, some of Michigan's county prosecutors say they won't press charges against people who provide abortion care. We talked to one of them. Plus, Ann Arbor starts an experiment in universal basic income; Michigan's history as a "goiter belt" state; and how revenue sharing has led to underfunded water systems.

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.

As some rural towns lose population and government funds shrink, their drinking water systems are one failure away from crisis.

Though the costs are enormous and success is by no means assured if upgraded assets are not maintained, for the first time in decades Michigan is addressing systemic challenges in delivering drinking water and cleaning up wastewater that local and state officials and taxpaying residents have been unable to resolve.

Benton Harbor's water system was already in financial distress and lead contamination has only caused more expense. The drinking water and sewer bills are about twice as high as neighboring St. Joseph.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants to use more federal funds to accelerate the replacement of lead lines and other water infrastructure.