Freshwater Future Weekly: May 22, 2026

This Week: New Blog! When the Water Came Back On; Register for Mindfulness and Movement; New York Residents: Pass the Lead Pipe Replacement Act; Michigan Residents: Support Dam Safety and Affordable Energy; Federal Actions Dismantling Critical Environmental Protections in Canada

New Blog! When the Water Came Back On: A Resident’s Success Story 
Freshwater Future is excited to share a powerful success story from our community support work in Benton Harbor, Michigan. After a resident’s water was shut off due to a repaired leak, Freshwater Future helped untangle the confusing steps to help restore water service. This story shares the challenges and the complex path to restoring water service, and how Freshwater Future’s approach of persistence, care, and people-centered support led to a successful ending.

Save Your Spot! Register for Mindfulness and Movement 

Ready to relax? Join Freshwater Future for this free 45-minute session with Jonathan Relucio, an expert with over 20 years of experience. All are welcome to join – please share, too! 

Next Week! Wednesday May 27 |11:30 am – 12:15 pm ET

Wednesday June 10 | 11:30 am – 12:15 pm ET

Wednesday July 15 | 11:30 am – 12:15 pm ET

Check out our current Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference

New York Residents: Pass the Lead Pipe Replacement Act

No amount of lead in drinking water is safe. One of the best methods to reduce lead in drinking water is replacing lead water pipes. The Lead Pipe Replacement Act in New York will ensure that all homes, regardless of income, can afford to have their lead pipes replaced. Ask your state legislators to ensure this bill gets a vote before the session ends and to SUPPORT this bill! Send a quick message to your state senator and assembly person here and use your voice today!

Michigan Residents: Support Dam Safety and Affordable Energy

Most of the dams in the U.S. are aging and require either expensive repairs or long-term decommissioning plans to prevent severe flood damage and protect public safety. Consumer’s Energy, one of Michigan’s largest utilities, wants federal approval to abandon planned repairs on a dam it also plans to sell, putting nearby communities at risk. Use your voice to oppose the proposed sale of 13 hydropower dams to an out-of-state private equity company, for the sake of protecting all Michigan residents. A sale would increase energy rates, limit government oversight, and increase the risk of mismanagement and dam failure. Click here for talking points and public comment instructions and submit your comment by May 31st!

Federal Actions Dismantling Critical Environmental Protections in Canada

Recent proposals from the Canadian federal government would negatively impact freshwater and endangered species for the sake of speeding up industrial development. One proposal cuts $5 Million from the Canada Water Agency, which leads the country’s Great Lakes restoration work. Another proposal weakens the Species at Risk Act, the Impact Assessment Act, and the Fisheries Act, while creating new “federal economic zones.” 

Similar to ones created last year in Ontario, these zones would allow the bypassing of environmental protections while pursuing fossil fuel infrastructure expansion. Freshwater Future is dedicated to supporting Canadian charities working hard to protect their communities and waters of the Great Lakes despite these disappointing roll backs.