Water Works: Growing Michigan’s Great Lakes Opportunities

Publication Date: May 2005

Publisher: Michigan Land Use Institute

Author(s): Andy Guy

Research Area: Economics; Environment

Keywords: population increase; water supply ; state waterways

Type: Report

Coverage: Michigan

Abstract:

This report makes the case that Michigan's investment to protect the Great Lakes is good for its bottom line, and businesses that spend in efforts to protect the water supply reduce their costs and improve their own profits. Michigan invested more than $900 million from 1992 to 2001 in programs designed to restore and protect the Great Lakes water, and in November of 2002 voters approved a $1 billion bond to help repair outdated sewers and protect state waterways.

“Water Works” argues that if the water quality and quantity of the Great Lakes basin is maintained, the water will continue to aid the economy. It finds that abundant sources of pure, fresh water are increasingly rare, and as the population increases, the water supply of the Great Lakes will be in great demand.

It argues against the view that investing to protect water resources will kill jobs and cost money. Instead, it states, retrofitting factories to reduce water and chemical use and decrease energy demands can save money as well as deliver environmental benefits. "Ultimately," the report says, "what is good for the water is good for business and the economy."