The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Find all the work HERE.
Throughout the Great Lakes region and across the United States, water systems are aging.
In some communities, this means water bills that residents can’t afford or water that’s unsafe to drink. It’s also leading to increased pollution in some of Michigan’s most pristine lakes. From shrinking older cities and small towns to the comparatively thriving suburbs, the true cost of water has been deferred for decades.
As the nation prepares to pour billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, join the reporters and producers from the Great Lakes News Collaborative for a special project called “Water’s True Cost.” Throughout May, find stories online and segments in the monthly “Great Lakes Now” program with in-depth reporting on the issues.
And for more information or to get your questions answered, the Great Lakes New Collaborative has planned the following events. Follow the links to register or learn more:
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
7-8:15 p.m. ET
Michigan Radio’s Issues and Ale @ Home Series
Join Host Lester Graham for a live, virtual event that kicks off the project. Register HERE for a link.
He’ll be joined by Natasha Blakely from Great Lakes Now, Kelly House from Bridge Michigan and Brett Walton from Circle of Blue.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Noon-1 p.m. ET
Bridge Lunch Break
Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House and Circle of Blue’s Brett Walton will moderate a discussion with Tim Neumann, executive director of the Michigan Rural Water Association, and Bonnifer Ballard, executive director of the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association. Find more about this event HERE.
This event is presented by Bridge Michigan and Circle of Blue.
Thursday, May 12, 2022
8 -9 p.m. ET
PBS Books Author Talk
When he penned “Great Lakes Water Wars,” Peter Annin detailed the environmental, political and economic background necessary to fully understand today’s debates about drinking water and water infrastructure. Join this taped discussion with Annin and Great Lakes Now’s Sandra Svoboda.
Join on the PBS Books and Great Lakes Now Facebook pages.
Tuesday, May 25, 2022
7:30-8:15 p.m. ET
Great Lakes Now Episode Sneak Peek of Episode 2205 “Water’s True Cost”
The full episode of the monthly PBS program Great Lakes Now will be dedicated to this project. Join Producer and Host Anna Sysling and her guests for this live watch party on Facebook and YouTube, and get your questions about your drinking water and its cost answered.
More about the event HERE.
Catch more news on Great Lakes Now:
To build a new pipeline or not: Illinois city seeks Lake Michigan water
The Catch: Benton Harbor’s lead pipes and the plan to replace them
