From lead contamination to PFAS, Michigan residents face ongoing threats to safe drinking water. Our reporting follows the science, policy decisions, and local advocates working to protect this essential resource.
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EPA investigates Detroit drinking water expert’s petition signature: Are scientists being silenced?
Two scientists removed from EPA advisory roles say their dismissal reflects an anti-science political climate, after signing a letter protesting federal research funding cuts.
Planet Detroit’s Reporting
EPA’s fluoride review fast-tracked: What does it mean for your water?
The EPA is fast-tracking a fluoride review after a report tied high levels to lower IQs in children, amid public doubts about water fluoridation. The agency’s role is limited to setting fluoride’s maximum contaminant level.
Michigan drinking water expert ousted from EPA council: A warning to whistleblowers?
The dismissal of Elin Betanzo from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council by the EPA has sparked concerns about retaliation against those advocating for science-based policies. Her removal follows a seven-month investigation into her signing of a letter criticizing Trump-era environmental rollbacks, highlighting the challenges faced by experts prioritizing community health and transparency.
Detroit’s water assistance program: Why are eligible households not signing up?
Detroit’s Lifeline H2O program struggles with low enrollment, leaving many residents burdened by water debt. Advocates call for policy changes to include households with existing debt, highlighting the financial strain on vulnerable communities.
What to know about freezing pipes in Metro Detroit
As Metro Detroit faces prolonged cold, plumbers report a rise in frozen and burst pipes, urging homeowners to act. Insulating exposed pipes and letting faucets drip overnight can prevent costly damage.
‘Erosion of trust’: Michigan legislators push back on flood of data center proposals
Legislation unlikely to advance without ballot measure to rein in DTE and Consumers’ influence over the political process, environmental advocate says.
York Township residents sound alarm about proliferation of data centers in Washtenaw County
Township residents press for a data center moratorium following an informal proposal for a 1 gigawatt facility.
How to check if your Michigan water system is replacing lead pipes
Michigan’s ambitious plan to replace 580,030 lead and galvanized lines is underway, yet many residents remain in the dark about their water safety. The Michigan Lead Service Line Tracker empowers communities to monitor progress and safeguard against lead exposure.
Whitmer joins Democratic governors calling on EPA to monitor microplastics in drinking water
Microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on the planet as well as in food, beverages and in human and animal tissue
Wyandotte officials vote against restoring fluoride to drinking water: ‘I have my reasons why’
Wyandotte drinking water has not been treated with fluoride in a decade, which the state flagged in an April report that found “significant deficiencies” in the city’s drinking water system.
Great Lakes, Medicare, Head Start: How federal shutdown impacts Michigan
The ongoing federal shutdown is disrupting essential services in Michigan, such as Great Lakes research and EPA water quality oversight.
Detroit water affordability program shrinks as funding dwindles: What you need to know
Detroit’s water affordability program, once a lifeline for nearly 30,000 households, faces a funding shortfall, prompting a shift to a costlier plan that will aid fewer residents.
Debate over fluoride in drinking water turns raucous in Michigan
After decades of fluoridating drinking water to improve public health, some communities are wavering on the practice. In one Michigan county, the medical director is mirroring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts against fluoridation.
Residents, dentists urge Wyandotte commission to restore water fluoridation
Wyandotte officials to decide on the future of water fluoridation a decade after dropping the additive with little public notice.
Michigan budget bills dial back GOP environmental cuts as shutdown deadline approaches
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to decide on budget legislation that would cut funding for Michigan’s environmental regulator by 7%, down from a proposed 19% cut, and protects health care and transit funding.
Government shutdown paralyzes EPA protection of air, water, land
A scientific study of pollution from about 200 coal-fired power plants during the 2018-2019 government shutdown found they “significantly increased their particulate matter emissions due to the EPA’s furlough.”
With RFK Jr. in power, officials waver on fluoride in drinking water: ‘It just seems like we’re going backwards in time’
Drinking water fluoridation is widely heralded as a public health triumph, but it’s had critics since it was pioneered 80 years ago in Grand Rapids.
What we’re reading: Will ratepayers foot $6 billion bill for Trump’s coal crusade?
As the Line 5 public comment period draws to a close, a Michigan geologist raises safety concerns around rock quality under the Great Lakes.
Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins says she’ll work for city’s most vulnerable
Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins talks environmental impact, utility affordability, public transit, public health, ICE, the Office of Sustainability, and the tree canopy with Planet Detroit.
GLWA work creates confusion over discolored Detroit drinking water
Detroiters on the lower east side and downtown experienced temporary water discoloration due to valve operations at the Water Works Park treatment plant. While the water remained safe to drink, not all residents in the affected area of the city were notified.
GLWA raises $280 million for water, sewer projects with bond sale
Fitch Ratings upgrades the Great Lakes Water Authority’s sewer bonds alongside new bond deal.
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