Water

2025 is wrapping up, and one of the primary issues raised over the past year is the proliferation and impacts of data centers. In 2026, we're likely to see some of these centers move toward becoming operational. Weighing economic benefit against potential environmental harm will continue, and there will be more vocal support and outrage for each proposed center. WEMU's David Fair got together with Washtenaw County Resiliency Office Director Beth Gibbons to try and compute the impact of data centers in Washtenaw County.

A major construction project in Saline is expected to be coming online in 2026. As WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports, the long-awaited rehabilitation of the city’s wastewater treatment plant is getting closer to completion.

Many residents in Van Buren Township are making it clear they oppose a new data center at Haggerty and I-275. But, as WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, it may be very difficult to stop.

City of Ypsilanti officials are doing a final push to get residents and businesses to install new water meters before the start of the new year. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The City of Ann Arbor's Office of Sustainability and Innovations is suggesting that residents be conservative with their outdoor salt usage this winter. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Saline residents will see a hike in their water and sewer bills come January. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The City of Ann Arbor is entering its final phase of the State Street Watermain and Resurfacing Project. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Ann Arbor is looking at something "blue" to expand its protection of drinking and other water sources. The new Bluebelt program will work in concert with the Greenbelt land preservation program to expand water protections. WEMU's David Fair was joined by City of Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson, to discuss the goals of the program.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is accelerating its plans to help communities such as Ypsilanti replace many of their water service lines. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Washtenaw County is currently experiencing a mild drought that is impacting the Huron River and the wildlife that relies on it. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.