Water

PFAS. Few environmental issues have affected Michigan communities more directly than these so-called "forever chemicals," which have been found in our waterways, groundwater, and drinking water systems across the state. In her first segment as host of "Issues of the Environment," Rebekah Warren was joined by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. They discussed what local and national actions have been taken and what is needed to prevent further PFAS contamination.

Michigan Senate Democrats released their proposal for new data center regulations Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced legislation Tuesday that would direct millions to help low-income families with their water bills. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The City of Ann Arbor has announced its plans to reconfigure the intersection at Pontiac Trail and Dhu Varren Road. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Chloride from excessive road salt runoff is endangering several Ann Arbor creeks and other waterways. That’s the findings of a workgroup of the city’s Sustainability Commission. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

We often ask ourselves how we can make a difference in the health of our environment at home. One of the answers is to build a rain garden. There are now well over 1,000 rain gardens in Washtenaw County as the Water Resources Commissioner's Office has scaled a decentralized network to capture and filter stormwater. It's making a difference, and the effort will expand this year. WEMU's David Fair gets more details in a conversation with Rain Garden Coordinator, Susan Bryan.

State of Michigan emergency resources are now helping out after a water main broke over the weekend in Oakland County. Colin Jackson has more.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that the Gelman Sciences 1,4 Dioxane plume has been added to the federal Superfund National Priorities List. After years of effort toward that end, it seemed as though the designation came suddenly and without notice. With a little time behind us now, we’re looking ahead to what’s next in the slow process of cleanup and accountability in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor.

Ann Arbor City Council recently approved contributions to its first project in its innovative Bluebelt initiative. The Bluebelt program is a supplement and extension of the city’s Greenbelt land preservation program. It aims to improve area water quality. Now, in partnership with Washtenaw County and Scio Township, Ann Arbor is purchasing the Davenport Property just west of the city, along Mill Creek. That will add 79 acres of woods, wetlands and farmland. WEMU's David Fair got an update on the Bluebelt program with Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson.

A portion of Scio Township is under a new boil water advisory. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.