From the Great Lakes that
define our state to our 11,000 inland lakes or thousands of miles of rivers,
Michigan’s water is what makes our state great. Unfortunately, our waterways
face serious threats from pollution and irresponsible siphoning for large-scale
use. As a result, fish advisories warn us to limit the amount of fish we eat,
beaches are often closed because it is not safe to swim, and streams and residential
wells near large-scale water users are going dry. PIRGIM is working to address
these problems and give Michigan families the clean water they deserve.
Our Lakes, Our Future:
PIRGIM’s campaign to stop unlimited water withdrawals
The Great Lakes are Michigan’s greatest natural resource. Unfortunately,
Michigan is behind every state in the region in passing laws to regulate water
use. PIRGIM is working to pass comprehensive water management laws to protect
our wells and waterways from overuse and to ensure that our water stays in Michigan.
More.
Mercury Free Michigan
Mercury is a dangerous toxin that threatens the brain and nervous systems of
unborn and young children. The largest source of mercury is power plants and
technology is already available to reduce mercury emissions by more than 90
percent. PIRGIM is working to convince Governor Granholm to protect Michigan’s
families by requiring power plants to reduce pollution by at least 90 percent
by the end of the decade. More.
Great Lakes Restoration
While many Great Lakes problems require regulatory solutions, full restoration
will also require a historic national commitment of resources to address habitat
preservation, sewage infrastructure, and cleaning up orphaned toxic sites across
the region. We are working with a broad coalition to analyze restoration policy
and build support for this potentially powerful initiative across the region.
More.
From Runoff to Renewal
Stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution in our waterways. PIRGIM is working to promote low impact development techniques to reduce polluted stormwater runoff from development More.
Reports and News Releases
Waterways at Risk: How Low-Impact Development Can Reduce Runoff Pollution in Michigan 10/17/05
Left Out to Dry: How Michigan Citizens Pay the Price for Unregulated Water Use 9/20/05
Sewage Warning!: What the Public Doesn’t Know About Sewage Dumping in the Great Lakes 5/26/05
Fishing for Trouble: How Toxic Mercury Contaminates Our Waterways and Threatens Recreational Fishing 10/14/04
Michigan
Polluters Continue to Violate Clean Water Act 3/30/04
Sewage
Overflows Threaten Public Health And Economy, New Report Finds 2/19/04
Great
Lakes Legacy A Baby Step: Groups Urge Bush Administration To Fund Restoration
With $6 Billion 1/29/04
