Michigan’s water belongs to all of us. Currently our water is at risk of over-extraction and privatization. Water bottling companies, like Nestle, take public-owned water, bottle it, and sell it as if it were a commodity. As drought conditions are further exacerbated by climate change across much of the world, the demand for Michigan’s water will only increase.
New legislation is needed to ensure that Michigan residents, now and into the future, are empowered to protect the water on which we all rely. Now is the time for the Michigan legislature to protect our water and ensure it remains a public resource by:
- Reversing the water-bottling loophole in the Great Lakes Compact
- Enhancing the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to protect our waters
- Extending public trust protections in statute to include groundwater
Clarifying public trust protections will not only safeguard our water against companies exploiting fresh water resources for profit, it would also provide critical protections for water users within Michigan. As opposed to water takers like Nestle, water users like Michigan farmers depend on a plentiful and clean water supply to grow the crops on which our families and economy rely. It is in the best interest of farmers across our state to be good stewards of our water, as abundant and clean water resources are necessary for their farms, and livelihoods, to thrive.
Act now and ask your Lansing lawmakers to support and champion legislation that will clarify that all of our water - both surface and ground sources - belong to the people of Michigan and cannot be sold or traded for private financial gain. Our Michigan legislature must act now to ensure that Michigan’s water remains a public resource - not a commodity. Send your message today!
