Water

Michigan's identity has always been defined by water. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for millions, power our economy, sustain our manufacturing and agricultural industries, support world-class outdoor recreation, and contain a whopping 21% of the world's surface fresh water.

As population growth, climate change, and water scarcity place increasing pressure on freshwater resources across the globe, Michigan's water will become one of our state's greatest strategic advantages – but only if we choose to protect it.

For too long, our water policy has been reactive, responding to crises like Flint, PFAS contamination, and aging infrastructure only after communities have been harmed. Michigan needs a long-term water strategy that protects public health, strengthens our economy, modernizes infrastructure, and safeguards the Great Lakes for generations to come.

As your state senator, I will introduce, support, and fight for legislation that protects Michigan's water while ensuring it remains a source of prosperity, not exploitation.

So here’s my plan:

Defend the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are our state's defining natural resource and deserve the strongest possible protection.

I will work to:

• Defend the Great Lakes Compact and oppose efforts to weaken its protections

• Protect Michigan's waters from unnecessary diversions outside the Great Lakes Basin

• Strengthen partnerships with neighboring states and provinces to preserve our shared freshwater resources

• Support continued investment in shoreline restoration and habitat conservation

Modernize Michigan's Water InfrastructurE

Safe drinking water depends upon reliable infrastructure. Too many communities continue to struggle with aging pipes, failing treatment systems, and costly repairs.

I will support legislation that:

• Accelerates replacement of aging drinking water infrastructure, including lead service lines

• Invests in wastewater treatment and stormwater management systems

• Helps local governments address combined sewer overflows

• Prioritizes infrastructure funding for communities with the greatest public health needs

• Strengthens oversight of Michigan's dams and other critical water infrastructure

Modern infrastructure protects public health while creating good-paying skilled trades jobs across Michigan.

Protect Drinking Water from Contamination

Every Michigander deserves confidence that the water coming from their tap is safe.

I will advocate for policies that:

• Continue Michigan's national leadership in addressing PFAS contamination

• Expand monitoring for emerging contaminants, including microplastics

• Strengthen groundwater protections from industrial pollution

• Improve transparency so residents receive timely information about drinking water quality

• Hold polluters financially accountable for cleanup whenever possible

Ensure Responsible Water Stewardship

Michigan's freshwater resources belong to the people of this state. Public policy should reflect their long-term value.

I will support efforts to:

• Modernize Michigan's water withdrawal policies using the best available science

• Ensure commercial users of public water resources contribute fairly to protecting those resources

• Invest revenues generated from commercial water use into drinking water infrastructure, watershed restoration, and conservation

• Encourage responsible water conservation practices across every sector of our economy

Reduce the Risk of Environmental Disasters

Preventing environmental disasters is far less costly than cleaning them up.

I will work to:

• Reduce the risk of catastrophic oil spills in the Great Lakes

• Strengthen emergency preparedness for drinking water contamination events

• Improve inspection and maintenance standards for critical infrastructure

• Expand state support for watershed restoration and erosion prevention

Build Climate-Resilient Water Systems

Michigan's communities are already experiencing stronger storms, flooding, shoreline erosion, and changing lake levels.

I will support investments that:

• Improve flood resilience for homes, businesses, and public infrastructure

• Remove old dams and restore wetlands and other natural flood protections

• Expand green infrastructure that manages stormwater naturally

• Help communities prepare for future climate-related water challenges

Make Water More Affordable

Access to clean water should never depend upon a family's income or ZIP code.

I will support policies that:

• Help communities finance necessary water system improvements without placing unreasonable burdens on ratepayers

• Expand assistance for low-income households facing unaffordable water bills

• Improve transparency around utility rates and infrastructure investments

• Encourage long-term financial planning that reduces future costs for consumers

Grow Michigan's Freshwater Economy

Protecting our water is more than an environmental responsibility: it is an economic opportunity.

I will champion policies that:

• Support freshwater research at Michigan's universities

• Encourage innovation in water technology and advanced manufacturing

• Expand workforce development in water infrastructure and environmental engineering

• Position Michigan as the national leader in freshwater science, conservation, and water innovation

Protect Outdoor Recreation

Michigan's lakes, rivers, wetlands, and streams define our quality of life.

I will continue supporting investments that:

• Improve public access to lakes and rivers

• Restore fisheries and aquatic habitats

• Protect beaches and recreational waterways

• Expand opportunities for boating, fishing, paddling, and outdoor tourism

Healthy waterways strengthen local economies while preserving the outdoor traditions that make Michigan unique.

A Long-Term Vision for MichigaN

Most states worry about running out of water. Michigan has the responsibility—and the opportunity—to demonstrate how abundant freshwater can be protected, managed wisely, and shared fairly.

Water is not simply an environmental issue. It is a public health issue, an economic development issue, an infrastructure issue, and one of Michigan's greatest long-term competitive advantages.

By protecting our Great Lakes, modernizing our infrastructure, investing in clean water, and planning for future generations, we can ensure that Michigan remains the Water State—not just in geography, but in leadership.