This week: Worried about what’s in your drinking water? + Chicago River’s History–It’s Complicated + Flint Community Lab Grand Opening March 25 + Freshwater Future Grants Available + Federal Court Knocks Down Lake Erie Bill of Rights
Worried about what’s in your drinking water?
Doubt is filling millions of homes as toxic chemicals contaminate our drinking water sources. Freshwater Future’s executive director, Jill Ryan sheds light on this issue of concern and shares tips on actions you can take.
Federal Court Knocks Down Lake Erie Bill of Rights
A federal judge ruled the Lake Erie Bill of Rights null and void last week noting that the law was overreaching and vague. The Lake Erie Bill of Rights, a law based on the Rights of Nature movement gives water bodies or lands the same rights as people do. Last February, Toledoans voted on the law and passed it with 61% voting in favor of it.
Toledo may be known for harmful algal blooms, scales and being a Rust Belt City, but the Toledoans for Safe Water rolled up their sleeves and worked relentlessly for two years to get the Bill of Rights on the ballot, showing a forward-thinking side of this Great Lakes city. The group shared in the media that they will consider the options and keep the conversation going around Lake Erie’s rights.
PFAS Test Kits – GIFT a KIT! Freshwater Future believes everyone has a right to know what is in their drinking water, regardless of what’s in their wallets. We have partnered with the University of Michigan Biological Station and other donors to offer PFAS testing for homes on private wells at reduced rates. You can help make our kits even more accessible by selecting Gift a Kit at check out. We’ll use your donation to send a kit to someone else as part of our “Pay What You Can Program”. Get (or gift) your test kits today!