New U.S. EPA Rule Threatens Public Water Utilities – We Want to Improve It
When a water system fails to meet health regulations like elevated lead or nitrate levels, enforcement measures by state agencies are essential to protect public health. Yet a new proposed rule by the U.S. EPA, the Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule, gives more power to state agencies to encourage water system consolidation, regionalization, or privatization. Unfortunately, this could result in a community losing oversight of their water utility and create unaffordable water bills. Freshwater Future recommends changes to the Rule that demand stronger requirements for public engagement, protections raising rates, and safeguards to ensure communities continue to have oversight of their drinking water. If you’re an individual, please help us send a strong message to the U.S. EPA by taking action today! If you’re an organization, sign-on to Freshwater Future’s comment letter here.
Deadline July 22nd: Your Voice is Needed to Improve Ohio’s Water System Funding!
Ohio’s drinking water infrastructure requires massive investments to stay safe and affordable. The main funding program to do just that – the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account – is now open for public comment. We want Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency to improve this program so that historic funding reaches the communities that need it most. Will you help by taking action through Freshwater Future today? Last year we were able to secure greater transparency with our collective comments, and this year we can go further! Submit your comments and share the action through Freshwater Future before the public comment period ends on Monday, July 22nd. It only takes a minute to take action!
Join Us on July 25th for Freshwater Future’s Virtual Monthly Wellness Session
Our waters depend on community leaders like you and we know the work can be as stressful and draining as it is rewarding and critical. Join us this month on Thursday, July 25th at 11:30 am ET to learn and practice proven methods that reduce stress and help you re-energize to continue your water work. 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. The event is FREE and everyone is welcome – share with family, friends, co-workers, and volunteers. Click HERE to register!
Mining Project in Porcupine Mountains Fails to Get $50 Million Grant
A proposed copper mine in Michigan’s beloved Porcupine Mountains State Park failed to receive a $50 million grant from the State of Michigan. Protect the Porkies, a Fall 2023 Freshwater Future grantee, engaged over two thousand water protectors who educated their legislators about the project’s potential impacts. The result–the Michigan Senate elected NOT to pass the grant with the budget! Freshwater Future is thankful to everyone who reached out to their legislators to secure this victory! While this is certainly not the end of the mine, Protect the Porkies will continue to track the project and work to prevent impacts to surrounding lands and waters. We will keep you posted.
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, is offering a lead water testing kit for $40 with the 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 about your water. 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 lead in your drinking water. Buy HERE Now!
