Experts gather to address sustainability of groundwater resources

The Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council has, according to a mandate of Public Act 34 of 2006, organized a workshop to address the sustainability of groundwater resources in the State of Michigan. Funding for the workshop was provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and the Michigan Environmental Council.

Recognized experts in the sectors of social equity, economic development, and environmental integrity have been invited to attend and participate in the all-day workshop, beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, March 26, at Egypt Valley Country Club in Grand Rapids.

Gathered experts will address the issue of groundwater sustainability in Michigan, identify a short working list of indicators and criteria for each sector, and review and evaluate these short lists among all workshop participants.

Alan Steinman, director of the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute and organizer of the workshop, states that groundwater provides 23 percent of Michigan’s public water supply, and an additional 2.7 million residents, mainly in rural areas, obtain their water from domestic wells.

“Combined with groundwater’s critical role for agriculture, industry, and ecosystem services, it is critical that we develop mechanisms to effectively protect, manage, and sustain this resource,” said Steinman. “These working lists of indicators are an essential first step in making sure Michigan’s groundwater use will be sustainable for future generations, and they will form the basis for our recommendations to the Michigan Legislature.”

For more information contact:
Dr. Alan Steinman
Annis Water Resources Institute
Grand Valley State University
740 W. Shoreline Drive
Muskegon, MI 49441
[email protected]
(616) 331-3749 or (231) 728-3601