Our June News to Us shares opportunities to improve and learn about water quality. Dive in for articles on new loans for septic system replacements, a Southeast Michigan initiative to make more rain gardens, and HRWC’s work to survey mussels in the Huron River through Ypsilanti. Two other articles discuss NOAA’s summer weather predictions and a reminder to avoid foam while recreating in Michigan’s waters.
Michigan homeowners can get low-interest loans for septic system replacements
A new program from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Michigan Saves provides loans to Michigan residents to replace failing septic systems. The Septic Replacement Loan Program offers both income-based financing and market-based loans of up to $50,000. Click here to learn about this new program on EGLE’s website. For information on how to maintain your septic system and prevent septic system failure, check out our Take Action page.
Watershed councils collaborate to change infrastructure from gray to green
HRWC’s Ric Lawson recently chatted with Michigan Public about a new initiative in Southeast Michigan called the Rain Catchers Collective to support residential and municipal green stormwater infrastructure development. The effort is a collaboration between HRWC, Friends of the Rouge, and Clinton River Watershed Council to improve water quality and mitigate flooding. Click here to learn how you can become a Rain Catcher and protect water quality with rain gardens and rain barrels.
Are endangered mussel species in the Huron River? You could look.
HRWC’s volunteer-led survey of threatened and endangered mussel species is underway along the Huron River in Ypsilanti. The survey is being conducted this June to prepare for the removal of Peninsular Paper Dam. If mussel species are found, ecologists must relocate them prior to dam demolition and impoundment dewatering activities in fall 2025 and into 2026. Sign up to volunteer for the mussel survey effort. For a progress update on the removal of Peninsular Paper Dam, read our recent blog by HRWC’s Dan Brown.
Michiganders reminded to avoid foam on waterbodies
As temperatures get hotter and summer water recreation takes off, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reminds people and pets to avoid contact with foam on Michigan lakes, streams and rivers. Foam can sometimes contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. PFAS is known to concentrate at high levels in foam. PFAS are toxic, synthetic chemicals associated with many health problems. According to current science the risk of PFAS entering the body through skin contact is low. The concern is repeatedly ingesting PFAS following skin contact. If you do make contact with foam, rinse off with non-foamy water and wash up when you can. In the Huron River swimming, paddling and boating are okay. Get more information at HRWC.org/PFAS.
Abnormally hot summer even more likely in latest NOAA forecast
According to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, this summer is expected to be abnormally hot across most of the United States. NOAA predicts that nearly every state—including Michigan—is leaning towards a hotter-than-normal June, July and August. A warm summer would continue the 12 consecutive months of record-breaking global temperatures. However, it’s not just the air. Ocean temperatures have also experienced record warmth for 14 months straight.