Freshwater Future Executive Director Jill Ryan to Speak About Freshwater Issues
Jill Ryan, Freshwater Future Executive Director, will speak at League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany, and Emeryville’s Spring 2023 Environmental Concerns Speaker Series on Monday, February 13th at 7:30-9:00 PST PM. Jill will speak about climate change adaptations to freshwater systems, as well as issues with drinking water and human health. For our Great Lake friends living out west, join Jill for this great event. Visit this site to learn more.
Not Too Late to Register for the Big House 5K Race!
Freshwater Future has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of Michigan Athletics’ 2023 Big House 5k Race on April 16th, 2023. The run/walk course travels through campus and finishes on the field of the revered University of Michigan football stadium, the Big House. Registration is limited to 10k attendees and we only have 2500 spaces remaining. Register today at mgoblue.com/bighouse5K. Can’t join us in person? Consider a donation to support the Freshwater Future Staff Team.
Save the Date – Celebrating Freshwater Heroes on March 21st, 2023
Join us on March 21st, 2023 at noon EST, for our Freshwater Heroes ceremony. At this uplifting event, we’ll honor people and organizations doing important water work in the Great Lakes region. Don’t miss out on the celebration, mark your calendar and register today.
Long-Term Solutions for Water Affordability in Michigan Still Lacking
Water is a human right, and yet many people in Michigan are experiencing water insecurity because water bills have grown to be unaffordable. Recently, Michigan legislators signed a bill, which contains $25 million to develop a water shutoff prevention fund. Freshwater Future applauds this first step from legislators, however, we urge people to educate themselves on the possibilities of affordability. Clearing water debt is an important piece of the affordability puzzle, but we urge legislators to shift their focus from short-term assistance to long-term affordability solutions. No one should have water service cut off because they can’t afford to pay the bill. In 2022, a Water Affordability Analysis for Six Michigan Communities was published by Moonshot Missions, in partnership with Freshwater Future, We the People of Detroit, and the National Wildlife Federation. The analysis demonstrates how water affordability programs can balance water utility costs with residents’ ability to pay, ensuring equitable access to this life-sustaining resource. Visit our website to learn more about water affordability and sign our water affordability pledge!
