Safe, Affordable Water is a Right, Not a Privilege
The Great Lakes hold 21% of the world’s surface freshwater, yet communities across the region face a dual crisis: water contaminated by toxic chemicals like PFAS and lead, and bills that are increasingly unaffordable. We’re fighting to ensure everyone has access to the clean, safe, affordable water they deserve.
The Double Trouble
Pollution and Affordability
Toxic Pollution in Our Water
Our water sources are threatened by a cocktail of contaminants that endanger public health and wildlife.
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
A family of over 4,000 persistent, toxic chemicals linked to cancer. They are contaminating sites across the Great Lakes region, threatening a drinking water source for 40 million people.
Lead Pipes
Hundreds of thousands of homes in the Great Lakes region still receive their water through lead pipes, risking irreversible developmental damage to children.
Microplastics
These emerging contaminants are found in our water with unknown, but concerning, long-term health effects.
Unaffordable Water
As infrastructure ages and pollution increases, the cost is passed along to families.
Water bills in Michigan have risen 40% since 2010–and up to 320% in some cities.
Low income families can pay as much as 25% of their income on water and sewer bills.
Weak Rules & Industry Pushback
While new federal PFAS standards in 2024 protect 100 million people, they face pushback from polluters and industry. Updates to the Lead and Copper Rule are slow, leaving dangerous pipes in the ground.
Our Solutions
Healthy Water for All
We are championing common-sense policies that put people and wildlife first.
Make Polluters Pay
PFAS manufacturers, not families, should be held financially responsible for the cleanup.
Remove Lead Pipes & Upgrade Infrastructure
Federal and state funding must be prioritized for the communities that need it most.
Stop Pollution at the Source
We advocate for bans on non-essential uses of PFAS and are investigating policies to reduce plastic pollution.
Develop & Enforce Strong Standards
We need drinking water standards that truly protect our health, and we must defend them against legal challenges.
Ensure Fair Water Rates
No one should have their water shut off because of unaffordable bills. We support true water affordability programs.
How We’re Taking Action
The National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center is on the front lines from the state capitols to local communities.
Confronting the PFAS Crisis
Through the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, we amplify the voices of impacted communities and drive science-based policy solutions. Read about our work in Oscoda, Michigan.
Fighting for Equity and Affordability
We advocate for state and federal policies that fund infrastructure in communities and protect residents from unaffordable costs.
Holding Polluters Accountable
We work to ensure laws like the Clean Water Act are enforced and that those who create pollution are responsible for cleaning it up.
Donate to Protect Clean Water
Contact
Cathy Martin
Great Lakes Senior Drinking Water Policy Coordinator
MartinC@nwf.org
