Freshwater Future Weekly: August 13, 2021

Freshwater Future Weekly: August 13, 2021

This week: Water System Infrastructure Included in $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill + Utility Debt Relief Will Help Keep Water on as COVID Surges + Lake Erie Challenge + New Sail Drones Used to Collect Data on Great Lakes + Grant Webinar on August 18 + Water is Life Festival on September 3


Water System Infrastructure Included in $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

After decades of little investment in our nation’s infrastructure, the Biden administration has passed a much needed $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. The largest share of the funds, $110 billion will go to roads. with $55 billion for improvements to water systems infrastructure. The nation is well overdue for an upgrade in its infrastructure and passing this bill is a big step forward in improving the quality of water and the efficiencies of our water systems.


Utility Debt Relief Could Help Keep Water on as COVID Surges

Millions of people across the country currently do not have access to tap water or are facing their water being shut-off due to the billions of dollars of utility debt that has grown exponentially during the pandemic. As the Delta COVID variant cases ramp up, it is imperative to pass legislation that secures utility debt relief so everyone has the ability to wash their hands and masks.  A recently introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would eliminate water, electric, and internet household debt. You can help get this important bill passed.


The Lake Erie Challenge is coming August 28!

Lake Erie is one of the largest bodies of water providing drinking water, places for recreation, and habitat for aquatic life, yet it is still struggling with Harmful Algal Blooms due largely to agricultural runoff. On August 28th, local athletes are taking the Lake Erie Challenge with the Canadian Freshwater Alliance. They will cover 80km via SUPs, canoes, and wing foils to celebrate and protect #LakeErie. Learn more and lend your support at LakeErieChallenge.ca


New Saildrones Used to Collect Data on Great Lakes

Innovative technology called saildrones set sail on the Great Lakes to collect scientific data including meteorological data. The pair of 23-foot tall saildrones are gathering information on fish in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in August and September. The technology is built with solar energy for charging and wind energy for movement. Click here to learn more about the saildrones study in the Great Lakes. 


Need Funds for Your Water Work? Join the Grants Webinar on August 18

Freshwater Future has been fortunate to provide Grant Programs for grassroots community organizations for over 25 years. Learn more about our Grants Program, Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – noon (EST). To register online, please click HERE. To register by email or phone, please contact [email protected] (231)348-8200. Also, visit the map on our website to learn more about our Grant Programs funding initiatives and their impact on past projects. 


Water is Life Festival

On September 3rd the Water is Life Festival will be back to host the celebration of water in support of protecting waters rights. The 2021 Water is Life Festival will be in Conkling Park, Mackinac Island, MI. The Festival boasts an amazing lineup of musicians as well as a host of other fun activities! Register now for the event for a chance to win exciting door prizes.