THIS WEEK: Give the Gift of Helping to Ensure the Healthy Future of Our Great Lakes Waters! + Manufacturing Giant Dumps Over 400 Gallons of Oil into Wisconsin’s Menomonee River + Ontario Study: Laundry Filter Can Reduce Plastic Pollution + Lead in Drinking Water Have You Worried?
Give the Gift of Helping to Ensure the Healthy Future of Our Great Lakes Waters!
Do you have someone on your holiday list that already has it all? Why not make a donation in honor of family and friends to Freshwater Future this holiday season. The recipient gets to be a part of helping more people and communities in the Great Lakes Region access clean and safe water resources. Freshwater Future will also send a greeting card acknowledging your gift. Click HERE to make a donation today!
Manufacturing Giant Dumps Over 400 Gallons Of Oil Into Wisconsin’s Menomonee River
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin a 400 gallon spill of oil was dumped into the stormwater sewage line that leads into the Menomonee River. Milwaukee Riverkeeper was frustrated with the slow response because delay can allow oil to sink and increase the potential for long term impacts. This is yet another example of the need for stronger oversight and monitoring to ensure these events don’t happen and keep human life and aquatic life alike safe with clean water.
Ontario Study: Laundry Filter Can Reduce Plastic Pollution
Research undertaken by the University of Toronto and Georgian Bay Forever found that installing a filter on household washing machines can significantly reduce the amount of microfibers in waste water. Microfibers are shed from synthetic fabrics (polyester) and treated natural fabrics (wool, cotton) every time they are washed. These microfibers flow through the wastewater system and enter lakes and rivers. Microfibers are now the most common type of microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes and are present in water samples, sediment, fish and humans. In spring 2021, opposition MPPs introduced a private members bill that would require filters in new washing machines in the province of Ontario, but it has not progressed to second reading. France will require filters on all washing machines by 2025 and California is considering similar legislation.
Lead in Drinking Water Have You Worried?
Are you worried about whether you have lead in your drinking water? Lead materials in pipes, solder or faucets increase the risk that lead can leach into your water. But it isn’t always easy to know what materials are in your pipes. It can seem overwhelming to understand what to do and how to keep your family safe. To help you–here are some simple steps to turn that worry into actions.
Blog – Freshwater Future
https://freshwaterfuture.org/freshwater-weekly/freshwater-future-weekly-december-17-2021/