Water Strategy
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Michigan's Water Strategy
The Water Strategy is a 30-year plan for Michiganders to protect, manage, and enhance Michigan’s water resources for current and future generations. The Strategy identifies key actions for actors at many levels to promote healthy water resources. It is organized around nine goals and outcomes designed to ensure the viability and sustainability of Michigan’s water resources over time, placing Michigan on a path to achieving its water vision in a way the that builds economic capacity while sustaining ecological integrity of this globally-significant resource.Michigan Water Strategy Executive Summary
Development
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Water Strategy Development Process
The Water Strategy was developed by the Office of the Great Lakes in collaboration with the MDEQ, MDNR, MDARD and MEDC. The Office of the Great Lakes undertook an extensive engagement process that involved a wide array of individuals, communities, organizations, academia, businesses, industry leaders, tribal governments, and local governments across the state to seek input Strategy development and implementation. Hundreds of people provided input for the future of Michigan's water resources through regional, community, and individual conversations at a series of presentations held throughout the state to create a shared vision.
Development Process and Engagement Strategy
Agency Steering Committee Members
Economic Roundtable Report
Water Dialogues Report
Tribal Engagement Summary
Draft Water Strategy Regional Roundtables and Community Conversations Summary
Summary of Written Comments on Draft Water Strategy
Additional Recommendations Identified in the Development Process
Water Use Advisory Council Conservation and Efficiency Recommendations
Priority Actions
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Water Strategy Priority Actions
Gov. Rick Snyder charged the Office of the Great Lakes with spearheading the creation of the comprehensive, ecosystem-based water resource strategy and defined five top priority actions. These priorities will emphasize and align the protection of public health and the sustainable use of our natural resources to enrich the quality of life and economic vitality in our local communities.
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Ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all Michiganders.
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Achieving a 40 percent phosphorous reduction in the western Lake Erie basin.
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Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
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Supporting investments in commercial and recreational harbors.
- Developing and implementing Michigan’s water trails system.
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Implementation
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Water Strategy Implementation Process
Progress toward Strategy goals and outcomes will happen by harnessing a complex framework of governance, institutions and regulations to to build durable relationships and collaborate in management of our shared water resources. A long-term strategy built upon local, state, federal, tribal and international collaboration that involves continued learning, open dialogue and adaptive management is critical to achieving improved water quality and sustainable water resources.
The Office of the Great Lakes will form an Interdepartmental Water Team to unite agencies to ensure a cohesive common strategy around Water Strategy implementation including the key state agency partners.
The Team will establish a process for tribal government and stakeholder collaboration, criteria for setting implementation priorities, identifying cross-agency joint projects, and an approach to assess and evaluate progress achieved against the metrics and outcomes.
Get Involved
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Become a Water Steward
Michigan's water resources face a number of threats from invasive species, urban and rural runoff, nonpoint source pollution, legacy contamination, emerging pollutants and changes in climate. You can help protect our water resources!Michigan is surrounded by 20% of the world's fresh surface water, and with that comes a deep ethical obligation to be good and thoughtful stewards of this global treasure. Ensuring the health of our water resources for generations to come depends on creating a culture of stewardship and pursuing lifelong education about water. Just like every drop of water matters, every effort does too!
Connect with the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes by calling 517-284-5035
Volunteer Opportunities
