oin Us June 20th for Freshwater Future’s Virtual Monthly Wellness Session
Water protectors (that’s you!) are under a lot of stress in the fight to protect the people and waters of the Great Lakes. Join us to learn helpful techniques using easy movement and mindfulness to reduce stress. Our facilitator, Jonathan Relucio, is a skilled practitioner of trauma-informed mindfulness, yoga, and meditation with over 20 years of experience advocating for social justice. Please join us for monthly wellness-focused sessions on June 20th at 11:30 am ET. Sessions will run for 45 minutes. Register here!
Deadline June 12th: Your Voice is Needed to Improve Wisconsin’s Water System Funding!
Water systems across the nation are aging and in need of upgrades to deliver safe drinking water. The main funding program to improve drinking water infrastructure in the state – the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is now open for public comment. Changes must be made to Wisconsin’s program, or this money may not reach the communities that need it most. Our neighbors in Wisconsin deserve access to safe, clean, and affordable water! You can help by taking action through Freshwater Future today. Right now, Wisconsin’s annual plan is open for public comment until June 12th.
Benton Harbor Residents Face Shutoffs for Unaffordable Water Bills Help is Hard to Get
Benton Harbor residents are facing water shutoffs for the first time since lead-contaminated pipes were replaced. Despite paying some of the highest water bills in the area, residents who have endured a lead water crisis since 2018 struggle with access to assistance programs due to numerous barriers. The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s (SWMCAA) Local Water Utility Affordability Program provides financial aid, but requires extensive documentation and proof of income, which many find difficult to provide. Freshwater Future encourages residents to attend the SWMCAA board meeting on June 19, 2024, to request changes to the program to make it simpler for residents to access assistance. Read more in Freshwater Future’s press release about this developing story.
Nearly 400 Gallons of Diesel Fuel Spill into Lake Superior at Silver Bay Marina, MN
Last week, a 373 gallons of fuel spilled into Lake Superior at the Silver Bay Marina during a transfer from a private barge to a tugboat. The U.S. Coast Guard and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are overseeing cleanup efforts with local officials. Booms were placed to contain the diesel and vacuum trucks are recovering the fuel. Investigations into environmental impacts by MPCA are ongoing, prioritizing potential harm to wildlife and marine life. Freshwater Future continues to monitor oil and gas transportation across the Great Lakes and the potential for large-scale spills.
