Half of Michigan’s residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water. Groundwater is used for drinking, as well as habitat for fish and other wildlife in rivers, streams, and lakes. Preventing groundwater contamination is necessary to sustain our health and quality of life here in the Great Lakes State.
The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) is an essential tool in protecting Michigan's valuable water resource. Click on the links below to find out more about the MGSP, practices and programs, what groundwater is and how it works, groundwater related resources, and what you can do to help. All information and program within the MGSP is
FREE, Confidental and Non-Regulatory.
Environmental Resource Directory
The Environmental Resource Directory was developed to provide the information necessary to reduce waste by maximizing reuse and recycling alternatives. THe directory contains environmental resources information for Marquette, Alger, Delta, and Menominee Counties only. The directory is a supplement the many programs offered by the MGSP, and is meant to assist residents in finding environmental resources easily. Click on the link below for a downloadable copy of the directory.
Six Easy Steps Toward
Groundwater Protection
Preventing pollution is the most effective first step in groundwater protection. Here are a few useful tips you can follow in your own home.
- Properly abandon unused wells.
- Follow instructions carefully when using pesticides or fertilizers. Over-application and misuse can cause contamination of both surface water and groundwater.
- Properly store and dispose of household hazardous waste. Dispose of products like batteries, oil-based paints, thinners, solvents, pesticides, household cleaners, etc. at Hazardous Waste Collection sites.
- Properly maintain your septic system. Septic systems should be pumped every 1-5 years (depending on tank and family size). Signs of malfunction include, slow drains and flushing, backups, unpleasant odors, and saturated drain field.
- Properly maintain your drinking water well. You should take a careful look at your wellhead annually. There should be no cracks in the pipe. The well cap should be clean and your well pipe should be grouted.
- Complete a Home Assessment. These assessments are free, confidential, and voluntary. It helps to identify your risks to groundwater contamination and methods to reduce those risks.
Home*A* Syst contact -Lynnea McFadden
(906) 226-2461 ext. 128
This page last updated on 1/25/2008.
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