Jeff Whitelow has been known for his profound ability to walk in the shoes of those in the most vulnerable communities and help bring vital information to those who need it most, in language they best understand. Taking a vow of poverty to personally assess the life of those most vulnerable in Chicago, enabled him […]
Read MoreA variety of Ohio, Regional, and National organizations, representing medical, environmental, housing, and community interests, are requesting $1 billion of the proposed more than $5 billion the state will receive in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be dedicated to residential full lead service line replacements. Ohio is second in […]
Read MoreIt takes energy, commitment, and stamina to be a leader of community based and grassroots organizations and this is additionally challenging during COVID-19. For over 25 years, Freshwater Future, through our consulting services, has helped leaders to run their organizations. This year we are conducting a special program to help our partners with self-care and […]
Read MoreWhat Doesn’t Happen at Scientific Meetings (But Should) Stephanie Smith, Freshwater Future’s Board Chair, talks about her recent collaborative work with scientists and groups in the African Great Lakes region. (Photo: Stephanie pictured with her family at Murchison Falls in Uganda.) I looked out at the expanse of 90+ scientists from 17 different countries, most […]
Read MoreIs Lead in Your Drinking Water? When you turn on the faucet to get a drink of water, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the water is safe to drink. Because lead and other toxic chemicals like PFAS can’t be detected by appearance or taste, testing water is the only way […]
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 18, 2020 Media Contact: Jill Ryan, Executive Director, Freshwater Future, jill@freshwaterfuture.org , (231)348-8200 ext. 2 (Communities across Michigan)– The Michigan Legislature passed legislation yesterday that prohibits water utilities from shutting off water to residents due to non-payment. The legislation, spearheaded by Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), also requires the restoration of […]
Read MoreMEDIA STATEMENT – Monica Lewis-Patrick, President and CEO, We the People of Detroit – It has been a long time coming, but We the People of Detroit is pleased that Mayor Mike Duggan is taking a step in the right direction with his announcement today regarding the creation of a water affordability plan on behalf […]
Read MorePer- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) can be found just about everywhere these days. Some of the first products that used PFAS were non-stick cookware. PFAS can now be found in such items as clothes and shoes, carpets, couches, food wrappers, fire fighting foam and so much more. It also is found in our air, soil, […]
Read MoreThere are an estimated 6.1 to 9.3 million lead service lines – pipes carrying drinking water – across the country. Ohio is second in the nation for lead service lines at an estimated 650,000 lead service lines carrying water to families’ homes, second only to IL. While it is unclear how much money it will […]
Read MoreProtecting our children and family from lead based products go back as far as we can remember. In 1978, the use of lead based paint was banned inside buildings. During those times, great harm was discovered when the paint began to crack and chip, due to the bumping and rubbing against walls and window sills. […]
Read More