Upcoming Events: Save Your Spot!
New! Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good.
Tuesday, August 18, 12:00 pm ET
Freshwater Future’s partner, Alliance for Justice, will lead our next monthly session focused on nonprofit lobbying “Do’s and Don’ts”. After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy. Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Relax with Mindfulness and Movement
All are invited to this free, 45-minute guided session with Jonathan Relucio, an expert with over 20 years of experience. Join us to relax and restore each month, and please invite others! Can’t join? Registrants can access past session recordings here – contact alana@freshwaterfuture.org for the password.
Wednesday July 15, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Wednesday, September 16, 11:30 am (Eastern)
Stay Safe and Check Out Your Beach’s Water Quality
If you decide to visit a beach in the Great Lakes region, be sure to check if the water is safe! Both humans and wildlife can impact local water quality, which often worsens after rainfall. Sources of bacteria and other contaminants include wildlife waste, agricultural runoff, combined sewer overflows, and Harmful Algal Blooms. Check out your state or provincial website below or contact your local health department for up-to-date advisories!
New York (Coastal Only), NY State Parks
*Note that Ontario lacks a province-wide beach monitoring website. Please search your regional or municipal government website for water quality monitoring and beach closure information.
Pennsylvania – Erie County Only For other beaches, please contact the local health department.
Superior, Wisconsin Takes Steps to Make Water System Public
Local officials in a northern Wisconsin city on Lake Superior are interested in purchasing the local water system in an effort to reduce customer rates. This for-profit system, the only private water system in the state, has run it for over 100 years, and the mayor reports they have the highest rates in the state. A referendum for the municipality to purchase the water system is planned for an upcoming general election in November or April 2027. Freshwater Future supports public control over drinking and wastewater systems to ensure safety, affordability, and control.
Canadian Leaders Announce Pipeline Proposal
The Premiers of Alberta and Ontario released a new pipeline proposal, which would bring oil and gas to refineries in southern Ontario and new ports across the province and Great Lakes. A feasibility study is underway, and the provincial governments hope to share the estimated costs and benefits later this year. The 2,050 mile or 3,300 km proposed pipeline would place communities and their waters at high risk of contamination. Freshwater Future will keep you updated on this issue and opportunities to make your voices heard.
Image Source: CBC
Check out our current Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference
Update on Harmful Wetlands Bills in Michigan – Your Voice is Still Needed
Thank you to everyone who has stood up to protect Michigan wetlands from five harmful bills. In the last month, the Michigan House of Representatives passed four of those bills. A Michigan Senate committee must now consider these harmful proposals that would roll back the wetland protections. Use your voice today and send a message to your Michigan state senator asking them to oppose these bills!
Update & Take Action: Proposed Michigan Hydropower Dam Sale
Freshwater Future thanks all of you who submitted comments this spring to the Michigan Public Service Commission, asking them to oppose the Consumers Energy dam sale. Last month, a state administrative judge advised the Michigan Public Service Commission that the sale would be a bad deal for Michigan residents and the energy company’s customers due to liability and safety concerns. In response, Consumers Energy has submitted a new proposal to send profits to a safety fund. Public comment remains open – make your voice heard today with our comment guide, found here with all current Take Action opportunities.