- Program Environment
- Program Area Addressing the Freshwater Challenge
- Grant Amount $185,000
- Grant Period April 1, 2020–April 30, 2022
- Location Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Geographic Focus Michigan
About this grant
The Water Center at the University of Michigan is a multi-disciplinary group of experts on Great Lakes and Michigan water issues. The team supporting the Water Center on this project includes Michigan State University’s Extension Service and an expert in lead contaminated public water systems. With previous support from the Mott Foundation, the Water Center worked with the State of Michigan to develop a series of science-based fact sheets aimed at water suppliers and their customers, regarding the state’s new lead and copper rule that was approved in late 2018. The Water Center also evaluated the challenges that Michigan cities were facing on the need to maintain and improve infrastructure that supplies and treats water while facing a shrinking population and shrinking revenues. With renewed support, the Water Center will assist with outreach on lead safety materials developed previously and will work with utilities and other stakeholders to develop a deeper understanding of the breadth of the water affordability challenge facing Michigan cities. The results will lead Michigan utilities closer to solutions for delivering safe and affordable water in a financially sustainable manner.