Pennsylvania Court Ruling Against Privatization is a Significant Win for Water Affordability
In a significant win for consumers, a Pennsylvania court found that the state’s Public Utility Commission should not have allowed the sale of a local water system to a private, for-profit company because it did not show how the public would benefit from the sale.. Private water utilities have been rapidly buying drinking water and sewer systems in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana for the past few decades. Recent laws, such as Act 12 of 2016 in Pennsylvania, have made privatization more favorable to investor-owned companies. Research shows that private water utilities generally have higher rates, without necessarily having safer drinking water. To ensure affordable water rates, Freshwater Future believes Pennsylvania’s Act 12 should be repealed and policies should be added that require referenda votes before utilities can be privatized.
Michigan Coastal City Saugatuck Passes Resolution Opposing Marina Development
In mid-August, the City of Saugatuck passed a resolution opposing a private marina and canal development at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River and the permits needed for development. According to the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, (a Freshwater Future hero and grant recipient), 200 letters were submitted to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in opposition to the proposed marina’s state permit application. Impacts to the recovering lake sturgeon population and destruction of globally imperiled interdunal wetlands are priority concerns. EGLE is expected to make a decision on the permit in late September.
Water is Life Festival This Weekend!
Come join us at the 5th annual Water is Life Festival this weekend! We will be celebrating our relative, nibi (water), through eclectic music, art, food, youth learning, and community building. There is a phenomenal line up of musical talent including Alice Sun, Bad River Band Youth Drum, Seth Bernard, and Michelle Chenard. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. This year, the festival will be on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, from 12:00 – 9:00 pm at Petoskey’s Festival Park. See you there – Bimaadiziwin Nibi | Water is Life! For more information visit the festival website at waterislifefestival.org
Join Us in Benton Harbor, MI for the All About Water Convening on October 4th, 2023 – Registration Deadline is September 8th!
Register now for the Fall 2023 All About Water Convening before the registration deadline on September 8th! We will be in person for the first time since the pandemic and we are so excited for everyone to join us in Benton Harbor, Michigan on October 4th. Our Steering Committee has prepared a day of conversations about funding for water infrastructure and the threats facing our drinking water including affordability. Register here to join us and view the agenda. We can’t wait to see you there!
Make a Donation Today to Help Make Drinking Water Safer and More Affordable
Your support has already helped Freshwater Future inform Great Lakes communities about elevated lead risks and advocate for affordable water policies. But there’s more to be done! Join our Walk Paddle and Roll Challenge: Throughout September, Freshwater Future Board and Staff are raising $8,000 for clean, safe, and affordable water through park clean-ups, awareness walks, and activities across the region. Thank you for helping to make a difference! Click HERE to donate now.
Great Coffee Starts with Clean Water – Buy a Lead Water Testing Kit and Get a Free Bag of Coffee from Superior Coffee Roasting Co.
Delicious coffee starts with clean water. Superior Coffee Roasting Co. in collaboration with Freshwater Future and the Flint Community Lab are offering a lead water testing kit for $40 with the added bonus of receiving a complimentary bag of coffee. If you’ve never had your home’s tap water tested for lead, now is the perfect opportunity to take action! You can purchase the kit through Superior Coffee Roasting Co. The kit includes testing supplies, instructions, and a box with free return shipping to the Flint Community Lab where your water sample will be tested for lead. After analysis you will receive a report from the Flint Community Lab. Take advantage of this great deal to indulge in the pleasure of a great cup of coffee from Superior Coffee Roasting Co. and gain information about your drinking water. To purchase a kit, click HERE now!
