On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, canada, COVID-19, economy, environment, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ohio, Ontario, Policy, Protect, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Wisconsin
Taking It in Stride: How Great Lakes islanders are weathering the COVID-19 storm

The tourism that usually rises around this time is on hold, but residents are battening down with ease.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/great-lakes-islands-ferry-coronavirus-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: coronavirus, COVID-19, flint, Freshwater Weekly

March 20, 2020

SPECIAL EDITION: 
Water Issues During COVID-19

Dear Community Partners,

During this unprecedented crisis, Freshwater Future’s main priorities are to ensure the safety of our Great Lakes communities and partners and to help sustain public health and well-being. All of us and our families will be dealing with different levels of social, economic and health impacts from the precautions we need to take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Know that Freshwater Future is here to help you in any way with support, information, outreach, and contacting public officials.

Freshwater Future has been working diligently to ensure that water service is restored to those where it has been turned off and that safety issues continue to be at the forefront, such as availability of filters for lead and PFAS.  We will continue to move these critical water needs forward throughout the crisis and know that you will continue your important work as well. Please let us know your needs and questions by contacting Alicia Smith, alicia@freshwaterfuture.org or 231-348-8200.

We are in this together, and together, we will overcome this crisis and rise.

Jill M. Ryan, Executive Director, and Freshwater Future Team

Returning Water To Waterless Homes Important: Flushing Required

Between 2014 and 2018, water was shutoff to over 100,000 customers in Detroit alone.  People all over the Great Lakes region do not have running water. Because of the importance of hand-washing to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, many cities are turning the water back on for residents.  In support with our community partners, Freshwater Future is asking Governors and Directors of Health and Human Service Departments to turn water on for all residents.

Here is an update and how you can help:

Michigan–The city of Detroit is turning water back-on for residents, very slowly, with only 400 of more than 3,500 homes having received service. Other cities have halted future water shutoffs, but have yet to restore water to residents currently without water in their homes.  Click here to ask Governor Whitmer and Robert Gordon to turn water on for all-now!

Ohio–Freshwater Future staff have been working to get water access returned for residents all over Ohio.  Columbus, Toledo, and several other cities have restored water access (learn more about our work here).

Wisconsin–After Governor Tony Evers declared a state of public health emergency to enhance response to the COVID-19, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission directed utilities– water, electric, and natural gas to stop disconnecting services. Utilities must also reconnect service for occupied dwellings.

If you need support with getting water turned on in your community, please contact Kristy Meyer, kristy@freshwaterfuture.org or 231-348-8200 ext. 7.

Water Back-On, Don’t Forget to Flush

After water is restored to a house, all water lines require flushing to remove stagnant water and potential pollutants.  If you have a family member, friend, or you face this issue, learn how to properly flush your water now.

Dr. Mona says 80% of Flint kids tested need special services

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician that helped reveal the Flint Water Crisis, stated in a “60 Minutes” interview that 80% of Flint kids will need additional educational services as a result of lead exposure.  Prior to the crisis, approximately 15% of Flint kids required additional services.  Dr. Hana-Attisha and her colleagues are studying lead in baby teeth to learn more about the correlation between learning problems and exposure to lead.

Freshwater Future, Calling All Smiles On Deck!

There are times like this when everything seems wrong and letting yourself fall seems like the only thing you can do. Until a helping hand reaches down to pull you back up, greeting you with a smile from ear to ear. Reminding you that this journey for clean and safe drinking water does not have to be endured alone. Freshwater Future works tirelessly with community members all around the Great Lakes to ensure that when times are tough they’ve got teammates to lean on. Coronavirus has arrived with a presence spreading into all levels of social, economic, and health areas. This too shall pass and we shall overcome it. Enchanted with brighter days awaiting us at the end of the tunnel. Fight on! We’re right there with you.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-future-weekly-march-20-2020-covid-19-update/

Alexis Smith

On:
In: Advocacy, Detroit, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, governor, Ian Wendrow, Latest News, mayor, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, water rights, water shutoffs
Do More: Water rights advocates call for action from Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan for residents without water

With the COVID-19 global pandemic continuing to spread throughout the U.S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines have stressed the importance of staying hydrated and rigorously washing hands as a preventative health effort. 

But for thousands of residents in Detroit, Flint, Benton Harbor, Hamtramck and other cities around southeast Michigan, following these guidelines is difficult when your water is shut off.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/water-rights-advocates-stations-michigan-governor-mayor/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Drinking Water, economy, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, Great Lakes, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, pollution, water, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Mich. “energy freedom” bills, Toledo low-income community solar project, Minn. Supreme Court backs frac-sand mining ban

Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s fortnightly energy-related headline roundup.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/energy-solar-low-income-court-appeal/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Daily News

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has temporarily made public access to all state parks and recreation areas free in order to limit transactions between the public and staff in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to encourage people to pursue healthy activities outdoors. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200319-restoring-lakes

Ned Willig

On:
In: Daily News

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is planning to release more trout into Lake Ontario and Lake Erie watersheds than anticipated because the trout were grown in hatcheries where zebra mussels were discovered, and thus staff have decided to release the fish only in waters where mussels were previously found. Read the full story by the Times Observer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200320-trout

Ned Willig

On:
In: Uncategorized
...ICE SHOVES POSSIBLE ON THE EASTERN SHORELINE OF THE BAY AND SOUTHEAST SIDE OF LAKE WINNEBAGO TODAY... Strong northwest winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph may result in localized ice shoves on the bayshore of western Door, northwest Kewaunee, and northeast Brown counties today. In addition, localized ice shoves can be expected on the southeast side of

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40E85100.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F40E96270WI.GRBSPSGRB.23e6d808842e5736e0274c907ca0fbda

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: canada, coronavirus, COVID-19, economy, environment, Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Headline: Cutting Contact: U.S. and Canada cut cash transactions and non-essential travel at border

At the Blue Water Bridge, International Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Mackinac Bridge, tolls will stop taking cash.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/bridge-tolls-travel-no-cash-coronavirus/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Uncategorized
...SLIPPERY ROADS POSSIBLE FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE... Light to occasionally moderate snow may make roads and sidewalks slippery this morning. Webcams continued to show some snow and slush covered patches on area roadways this morning. A heavier band of snow will move into east-central and far northeast Wisconsin between 6 am and 8 am. Visibilities under the heaviest portion of

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40E77258.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F40E7E788WI.GRBSPSGRB.54e5ef070b45e49081402cfe9ce09122

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RIVERS EXPECTED TO RISE INTO THE UPCOMING WEEKEND... A combination of melting snow and runoff from recent heavy rainfall will cause river levels to rise into the weekend. Most locations received at least an inch of precipitation over the past 24 hours, which will contribute to increased flows and rising water levels on area rivers into the weekend.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40E75250.HydrologicOutlook.125F40E8ED40WI.GRBESFGRB.86a65ce9a4bb9b6c9b39683aa1d37e47

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: birds, cormorants, Wildlife
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has logged more than 1,000 public comments on a proposed rule that would give state agencies more choices in controlling cormorants that some anglers complain eat too many fish in the Great Lakes and inland waters. New options would include lethal means.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/03/20/federal-plan-might-let-states-kill-unwanted-cormorants/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: COVID-19, Drinking Water, water access, water affordability
Late last week, like everyone else, we learned that schools were shutting down due to the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, kids would be home, which meant parents would likely need to be home as well and some without access to running water. In order to contain a virus from spreading people need to be able to wash their hands. Freshwater Future staff quickly got to work with partners and started to call and email communities and cities to urge them to restore residential water services and halt future shutoffs until this crisis is over.

 

We quickly learned some cities like Cincinnati were proactive and understand the need to restore residential services. Other cities like Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Marysville, and Bellefontaine were not so proactive. Freshwater Future worked with the city of Columbus and small municipalities like Marysville, Bellefontaine, and others to put into place moratoriums on future water shut-offs and the restoration of residential water services. In addition, we worked with our partners at Junction Coalition and the Ohio Environmental Council to restore water to residents and halt future shutoffs in Toledo. We knew our partner, the Alliance for the Great Lakes was working with the city of Cleveland to successfully restore residential water services and halt future shutoffs. We also partnered up with the Alliance for the Great Lakes to urge the Governor to call for all utilities across the state to restore residential water services and halt future shutoffs. As a result, the Governor called on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to work with the private water companies to restore residential water services and halt future water shutoffs, which they did on Monday, March 16th. We are now waiting for the Governor’s office to share their legislation they are working on to require all utilities in Ohio to restore residential water services.

Freshwater Future continues to keep its ear to the ground and support communities that are suffering from water issues at this time, from water shutoffs to impacts from partial lead line replacement. We spoke with the Governor’s office and Ohio EPA on Monday about added stress on residents from partial lead line replacements. We urged the Ohio EPA to talk with the utilities to halt all partial lead line replacement at this time. On Monday, March 16th, the Ohio EPA asked all water utilities to halt partial lead line replacement and provide people with filters until this crisis is over. In addition, we reached out to the city of Toledo, who was continuing to move forward with partial lead line replacement and asked them to halt partial lead line replacements.  We encouraged them to work with us and other experts to put together a plan for full lead line replacement. In addition, we asked the city of Toledo to request in the RFP for a report on affordable water rates that full lead line replacement be part of the cost of making the utility financially whole while creating affordable water rates for residents. We were told today they halted the partial lead line replacements and are looking forward to working with us to develop the plan and RFP. It is important to note, Freshwater Future has been supporting the Junction Coalition and other community members in obtaining a seat at the decision-making table to discuss water rates and programs, like emergency assistance and conservation.
Contact Kristy Meyer for more information, kristy at freshwaterfuture.org

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/drinking-water/restoring-water-access-in-ohio/

Ann Baughman

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RIVERS EXPECTED TO RISE TONIGHT INTO THE UPCOMING WEEKEND... A combination of melting snow and moderate to heavy precipitation will cause river levels to rise tonight into the weekend. Most locations are expected to receive around an inch of precipitation through tonight. Runoff from the heavy precipitation and melting snow will result in fast flows and rising water levels on area

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40D9AEE8.HydrologicOutlook.125F40E7B4C0WI.GRBESFGRB.86a65ce9a4bb9b6c9b39683aa1d37e47

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Water Library Blog
During this time of social distancing, I am sad to be writing at home to say goodbye to a friend and collaborator I have had the honor of working with over the past several years.  For a long time, as an outreach librarian, I wanted to teach kiddos about underwater exploration but had no idea […]

Original Article

Wisconsin Water Library

Wisconsin Water Library

https://waterlibrary.aqua.wisc.edu/goodbye-to-a-great-collaborator-and-friend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=goodbye-to-a-great-collaborator-and-friend

Anne Moser

On:
In: Daily News

The state of Michigan is working with Japan in a joint effort to preserve and restore lake environments. The agreement allows both countries to share knowledge and expertise in order to protect some of the world’s largest freshwater bodies and to advocate for lake conservation efforts worldwide. Read the full story by C and G News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200319-restoring-lakes

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

Coronavirus or not, the city of Toledo, Ohio, still plans to meet Thursday with contractors who might want to bid on a major wetlands project the city hopes to have done in North Toledo later this year to provide more wildlife habitat and help improve Maumee River water quality. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200319-toledo-wetlands

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

Ohio’s delayed primary has Geneva-on-the-Lake and neighboring Township Park reassessing options for halting severe erosion along Lake Erie. The park service has a levy on the ballot that would aid in that effort, but the final vote on measure now won’t come until June. Read the full story by ideastream.

 

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200319-geneva-on-the-lake

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

A federal judge rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases. Read the full story by The Associated Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200319-mine-dispute

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RIVERS EXPECTED TO RISE TONIGHT INTO THE UPCOMING WEEKEND... A combination of melting snow and moderate to heavy precipitation will cause river levels to rise tonight into the weekend. Most locations are expected to receive around an inch of precipitation on today into tonight. Runoff from the heavy precipitation and melting snow will result in fast flows and rising water levels on

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40D8096C.HydrologicOutlook.125F40E766A0WI.GRBESFGRB.86a65ce9a4bb9b6c9b39683aa1d37e47

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Beer, craft, Energy, Wine
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council handed out more than $400,000 for research projects to benefit the state’s wine, beer, cider and distilling industry. Projects include the effects of climate change on crops, pest and disease management, and development of new varieties of hops, barley, fruits and rye for use in brewing.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/03/19/new-grants-promote-michigan-beers-ciders-wines-and-spirits/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RIVERS EXPECTED TO RISE LATER THIS WEEK... A combination of melting snow and precipitation will cause river levels to rise from Thursday night into the weekend. Most locations are expected to receive around an inch of precipitation on Thursday and Thursday night. Runoff from the heavy precipitation and melting snow will result in fast flows and rising water levels

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F40CA68C0.HydrologicOutlook.125F40D87280WI.GRBESFGRB.86a65ce9a4bb9b6c9b39683aa1d37e47

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized

Our Great Lakes communities are heading into uncharted waters as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Protecting our health and the health of those around us is top of mind.

As local, state, and national health and safety officials respond to this crisis, the new mantra for all of us has become: wash your hands. This most basic hygiene advice is a stark reminder of the critical importance of clean water to our personal health, and the health and safety of our families and our communities. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, our region can lead by making sure everyone has access to the clean water they need right now.

We commend the cities and other government entities that are taking action to halt water shut-offs and restore residential water service during this crisis, including Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Akron, and many others around the Great Lakes region. We urge states to use their power, as was done in Ohio, Wisconsin, and other places, to direct water utilities under their jurisdiction to halt shut-offs and restore water services.

The deepening COVID-19 crisis reinforces the inseparable connection between water and public health. This crisis is going to take a commitment from all levels of government to ensure that everyone has access to the clean water they need, and the Alliance is ready to work with any state or local officials looking for guidance in this critical area. We also encourage you to support the many local environmental and civic organizations working directly in our Great Lakes communities to ensure all residents have access to safe, clean water.

So, what can you do to help? First, be sure to heed the advice of your local, state, and federal health and safety officials. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have helpful, easy-to-understand information on precautions against COVID-19 to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.

Second, find ways to support your local community by donating to relief efforts and contacting elected officials to ask that water shutoffs be halted and services be restored. We’ll be using the Alliance’s social media channels to share local opportunities to get involved. You can also follow the hashtags #TurnWaterOn #KeepWaterOn #MakeWaterAffordable to join the conversation on social media.

If you need help getting the word out, tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and we’ll do our best to amplify the important efforts happening in Great Lakes communities. 

Our staff around the Great Lakes region remain hard at work. We have taken steps to respond to this crisis to protect the health and safety of our staff and volunteers. Our staff are now all working from home but are accessible via their regular email and phone. We are shifting upcoming volunteer training events, community outreach meetings, and other group activities to online events. To protect the health of our supporters and communities, we have canceled all in-person volunteer events, including Adopt-a-Beach events, for at least the next month.

Thank you for your ongoing support of clean water.

The post Adopt-a-Beach Cleanups Suspended Until Early May appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2020/03/adopt-a-beach-2020-coronavirus-update-cancellations/

Kirsten Ballard

On:
In: Daily News

Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) says she hopes to ensure the Army Corps of Engineers receives funding to start a multimillion-dollar project on an Illinois river to prevent the invasive Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Read the full story by Bloomberg Environment.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200318-carp

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is continuing the Flood Watch for Lake Superior, within its area of jurisdiction. The Conservation Authority advises that water levels on Lake Superior continue to remain well above average. Read the full story by the Net News Ledger.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200318-flooding

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The U.S. Coast Guard did not wrongly approve a contingency plan to clean up an oil spill that could potentially result from the leak of an Enbridge Inc pipeline that runs in waters of the Great Lakes, a federal judge in Michigan has ruled. Read the full story by Reuters.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200318-pipeline

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Discovery Center & Pier previously announced plans to transform a coal dock near Traverse City, Michigan into a site that ships could use to land passengers. But CEO Matt McDonough said last week that cruise ships weren’t aligned enough with the pier’s mission. Read the full story by the Associated Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200318-cruise-ships

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Over 100 acres of wetlands in southeast Chicago will be restored in a three-year, $1 million project, according to the environmental group Audubon Great Lakes. Powderhorn Lake Forest Preserve, along the Illinois-Indiana state line, has prairie, woodland and wetland habitats. Read the full story by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200318-wetlands

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, economy, environment, Minnesota, News, pollution, Protect, water
Judge backs Minnesota’s Twin Metals mine in lease dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases.

The Obama administration tried to kill Twin Metals by rejecting the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-judge-minnesota-twin-metals-mine-lease-dispute/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, Events and Special Broadcasts, Great Lakes, Latest News, Michigan, News, Sandra Svoboda, water
The Show Goes On: Films and producer chats move online for Great Lakes series

Great Lakes Now is partnering with Michigan Sea Grant and the University of Michigan for the now-online “Lake Effects” film series on Thursday evenings.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/lake-effects-university-of-michigan-film-series/

Sandra Svoboda