Blog posts by FLOW team and guest writers
The International Joint Commission (IJC) is seeking public comment on the recently released Draft 2025 Review of the International Joint Commission’s Report on the “Protection of the Waters of the Great Lakes”. The report updates the IJC’s analysis of Great Lakes stresses from consumption, diversion, and removal of water from the Great Lakes. The IJC… Read more »
Flow is thrilled to welcome three incredible new members to our Board of Directors: Environmental journalist Keith Schneider, MSU Assistant Professor Kelly Hirko, and MSU Assistant Professor Anthony Kendall! Each brings a deep commitment to protecting the Great Lakes, along with unique expertise—from community organizing and environmental law to science, education, and advocacy. Together, they… Read more »
What are nitrates and why do they matter? If your household water comes from a private well, you may be at risk of nitrate contamination —and not even know it. Nitrates are a type of nitrogen compound that can seep into groundwater from the use of fertilizers, manure, and failing septic systems. The problem? Nitrates… Read more »
Anaerobic digesters are facilities that decompose organic waste, separating biogas from a sludge called “digestate.” Biogas can be used on-site, paired with a facility like a livestock confinement, or processed into purified pipeline-grade biomethane for electricity or transportation. While biogas can be part of a sustainable farm operation, it has many potential shortfalls that must… Read more »
A science review has prompted state officials to sharply increase the number and scope of fish consumption advisories related to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a chemical that is part of the dangerous PFAS family of “forever chemicals.” The advisories encourage Michiganders to limit, or in some cases stop, eating some species of fish, depending on the… Read more »
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is taking public comments on Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 pipeline tunnel through August 29, 2025. The State of Michigan now has the power to deny the tunnel permit, and protect the Great Lakes from years of construction upheaval, wetlands damage, and other risks. Submit your… Read more »
Watch the recording Factory farms, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), threaten our waters with immense quantities of sewage, which too often are sprayed on fields where it can then runoff into streams and leach into groundwater — including into our drinking water. On August 8, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy… Read more »
Facing facts and moving forward: Notes from the 2025 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference. On June 26, the State of the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) conference, hosted by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), brought together researchers, agency staff, and community advocates working in one of Michigan’s most… Read more »
Over 750 contamination sites in Michigan need immediate action to address human health exposure risks – but because of limited staff and funding, it will be years before all the sites are dealt with and the risks are controlled. That’s the result of a classification system the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE),… Read more »
Michigan sits at the heart of the Great Lakes—the largest freshwater system on Earth. Despite this abundance, our water resources are not immune to overuse and mismanagement. A 2024 audit released by the Office of the Auditor General highlighted several important areas where the state’s water withdrawal program can be improved to better protect our… Read more »
