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Drinking Water: Protecting MI Source webinar series

A shallow, rocky lakeshore
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Drinking Water: Protecting MI Source webinar series

Our drinking water comes from a variety of sources including groundwater, rivers, and lakes. There are thousands of water supplies providing drinking water to the public and hundreds of thousands more private water wells supplying water to millions of people in Michigan and millions more across the Great Lakes Region. Knowing and understanding the quality and quantity of the source is a critical first step in planning and developing sustainable approaches and managing our drinking water resources.  EGLE presents this webinar series to highlight how agencies, communities, universities, local organizations, and citizens can promote and protect drinking water sources.  A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.

This webinar series is provided through a collaborative partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University (IWRMSU), and Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA). 

Each webinar is approved for 0.1 Continuing Education Credits (CEC) in the Technical category.

Upcoming webinars

None scheduled at this time.

As new webinars are scheduled, they will be posted on this page.

Recorded webinars

Recordings are 1 hour long, unless otherwise noted.

Health risks of waterborne pathogens in public water supply wells from Minnesota

Waterborne pathogens like Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, and norovirus can contaminate groundwater, and these pathogens pose a health risk to consumers when groundwater is used as a source of public drinking water. However, the extent of contamination and prevailing health risks in real-world public drinking water systems are not well-defined based on previous scientific studies.

This session will highlight occurrence and health risks of multiple waterborne pathogens in source water for public supply wells across the state of Minnesota and be informative to other states in the Upper Great Lakes region.

Watch the July 23, 2024 recording

Source Water Grant Program – 50% Match Funding to Protect Your Drinking Water

Learn how your community can receive funding to protect your drinking water. This webinar provides information on grant eligible funding, activities, and tips to ensure your application meets EGLE requirements.

This training includes a demonstration of the grant application process, common application errors, and tips to increase the likelihood your grant request is awarded.

Watch the April 16, 2024 recording

Source Water Protection Insights Across Region 5

This insightful webinar brings together a panel of experts to showcase ongoing efforts in source water protection across the states of US EPA Region 5. From innovative approaches to triumphs, our panelists delved into the strategies implemented by various states, sharing their experiences and shedding light on the collaborative efforts that safeguard our vital water resources. Discover the achievements, learnings, and future plans that shape the landscape of source water protection in our region. 

Presenters: 

  • Cary McElhinney, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Brian Austin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
  • Steve Robertson, Minnesota Department of Health
Watch the January 16, 2024 recording

Blooming Waters: Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms and Safe Drinking Water

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a growing concern across the nation, and Michigan is no exception. These blooms can produce toxins that pose significant risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, we delve into the fascinating science behind algal blooms, their causes and detrimental effects, and examples of efforts taken to prevent drinking water exposures.

Key topics covered:

  • Understanding the science: discover the factors that contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms and the conditions that foster their growth.
  • Monitoring Michigan's waterways: learn about EGLE's efforts to track and detect harmful algal blooms in various surface water bodies.
  • Safeguarding drinking water: explore Michigan's efforts to ensure the safety of drinking water systems and protect the health of its residents.
Watch the October 3, 2023 recording

Drops of Resilience: Empowering Communities through Source Water Plans

This session guides you through the development, update, and implementation of SWPPs in local municipalities. We cover all the essential elements of SWPPs and highlight their significance with real-life examples from Michigan. Discover why managing the area around your public water supply system is crucial and gain insights into funding sources for SWPP development and implementation.

Presenter:

  • Kelly Hon is a USDA Source Water Protection Specialist with the Michigan Rural Water Association.
Watch the July 25, 2023 recording

Healthy Forests Protect Drinking Water

Do you know where your drinking water comes from?  Ever wonder how land use impacts your drinking water? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Stewardship Program is leading a team of conservation partners on a new initiative called “Forest to Mi Faucet” to share information about the connections between healthy forests and clean drinking water. Partners on the Forest to Mi Faucet team are helping municipal water utilities implement their source water protection plans to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The project will help rural landowners and urban residents protect important forests, manage forests better, and expand forests in strategic riparian locations.

Presenters: 

  • Mike Smalligan is the Forest Stewardship Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  He works with foresters, loggers, environmentalists and many partner organizations to help landowners take good care of 12 million acres of private forests and public waters.  He has degrees in forestry and crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University.
  • Meagan Hoffman is the Forest and Water Community organizer for the Forest to Mi Faucet project.  Meagan is serving as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member with the DNR in 2023.  Meagan has a degree in conservation biology and ecology from Arizona State and a watershed management certificate from Michigan State.
Watch the May 23, 2023 recording

Contact information

Jim Ostrowski, Outreach Section Manager, at OstrowskiJ2@Michigan.gov or at 517-284-6870.

Please reach out with questions about the webinar content and/or recommendations for additional topics!