Drinking water

Clean water is a basic human need. But not everyone in the Great Lakes region has access to safe, affordable water in their home.

Visit our campaign page to learn about steps we can take to ensure everyone around the Great Lakes has safe, affordable drinking water. Learn more below about drinking water in Great Lakes communities.

Blog

March 14, 2026

Updated Report: Advocates Creating Momentum for Water and Wastewater Investment in the Great Lakes and Beyond

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Advocates Forum (Forum) brings together over 200 community leaders from across the country – including many in Great Lakes states – advocating for critical water […]

Webinar

February 25, 2026

Webinar: Washington Update: Protecting the Great Lakes and Looking Ahead to 2026

When it comes to our Great Lakes priorities, how are our representatives in Washington doing and where should they focus their efforts in 2026? Thanks to Great Lakes advocates like […]

Blog

February 10, 2026

Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2026

The federal government plays a critical role in protecting the Great Lakes. It’s responsible for funding projects, administering programs, and enforcing environmental safeguards. The Alliance for the Great Lakes advocates […]

DC Update

January 23, 2026

Congress protects Great Lakes programs from proposed cuts

The U.S. House and Senate recently passed a significant budget package that rejects steep cuts proposed by the White House that would have slashed many federal programs essential to the health of our lakes and the people who depend on them. Ultimately, members of Congress from […]

Blog

December 18, 2025

Win in Michigan: New Agriculture Pollution Rules on Nutrient Runoff

Winter has once again descended upon the Great Lakes region. What’s new this season in Michigan is a state ban on spreading manure on frozen fields. When manure is applied under frozen or saturated conditions, it cannot absorb into […]

Blog

November 5, 2025

New Report: Working Together to Improve Water Infrastructure

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Advocates Forum (Forum) brings together community leaders from more than 36 states advocating for critical water infrastructure funding needs to replace lead service lines, upgrade […]

Blog

October 27, 2025

Testimony in Support of Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate Lead Water Lines in Ohio

Access to clean drinking water is essential for everyone, which is why the Alliance for the Great Lakes supports a bipartisan Ohio bill designed to eliminate all lead water lines […]

Blog

October 14, 2025

Healing Our Waters Conference Recap: Collaboration and Community at the Core 

This year’s Healing Our Waters Conference brought together hundreds of advocates, funders, scientists, and community leaders in Rochester, New York, to explore solutions for the health of the Great Lakes. […]

Press Release

September 18, 2025

New Report: Nitrate Contamination Driving Health Crisis and Rising Costs in Wisconsin 

CHICAGO, IL (September 18, 2025) – Wisconsin faces a growing public health crisis from nitrate contamination in drinking water, according to a new report released today. Thousands of households are paying […]

DC Update

July 17, 2025

Critical Months Ahead for the Great Lakes in Congress 

On July 4th, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or “OBBBA.” Now that OBBBA is law, the focus in Congress turns to funding the […]