Michigan officials announce 30-year water quality plan

The office of the Great Lakes of Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently released a draft water strategy that runs in tandem with a three-decade plan to be sure Michigan's water resources are part of thriving ecosystems, healthy residents and communities and strong economies.

“Available freshwater continues to grow in importance nationally and globally,” Jon Allan, director of the DEQ’s Office of the Great Lakes, said. “The draft water strategy outlines measures to leverage Michigan’s most treasured natural resource and to ensure its long-term sustainability, both critically important to advancing the state’s prosperity."

The strategy includes recommendations for achieving a 40 percent reduction in phosphorus in Lake Erie's western basin; prevention of the introduction of new aquatic invasive species; developing a water trails system; and establishing a durable water fund. It was developed at the request of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, and representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Economic Development Corp., and communities and organizations from across Michigan participated in the effort.

To read the strategy and learn more about it, visit www.michigan.gov/waterstrategy.