Michigan's Water Resources

Water has always been Michigan’s most important and distinguishing resource. Of the State’s official total water and land area of 96,791 mi², roughly 40% is covered by the Great Lakes, and over 1,000 mi² are inland lakes and ponds. Michigan has a longer shoreline than any state except Alaska. Yet, in spite of the abundance of surface water in Michigan, about half of the state’s residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water. All Michigan counties except for Wayne and Bay counties have communities supplied by municipal groundwater wells. Of the approximately 12,000 community and non-community water systems state-wide, more than two-thirds draw from groundwater sources. While groundwater supplies many Michigan residents with their drinking water, it is perhaps Michigan’s most overlooked water resource.

Protecting groundwater supplies is important for protecting the health and welfare of Michigan’s citizens. However, wildlife also depend on fresh and abundant water supplies for their sustenance and habitat. "Watering holes" used by many animals may actually be groundwater discharge areas. Business, industry and agriculture all require high quality water for sustainable economic development. Tourism, an important economic activity in Michigan, demands high quality groundwater since it replenishes the streams, rivers and lakes which vacationers enjoy. It is projected that the Great Lakes Region’s reliance on groundwater will increase with continued population shifts, development pressures and demands of a water dependent economy.

1. Groundwater Fundamentals
2. Drinking Water Fundamentals
3. Tools for Teachers
4. Other Resources