They don't call Michigan the Great Lakes State for nothing. Michigan has four of the five Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior). There are also over 11,000 inland lakes and about 120 major rivers in Michigan. In total, these rivers cover about 36,350 square miles.

Bobby Guy
Bobby Guy
loading...

A new study from the Environmental Integrity Project says that 95% of Michigan's rivers and streams are too polluted to swim in. The report also said that 45% of Michigan's inland lakes are too polluted to swim in.

Sunrise Over The Tahquamenon River And Lake Superior
ehrlif, ThinkStock
loading...
Get our free mobile app

What Is An Impaired Lake, River, Or Stream?

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

The study defines “impaired” waters as those that are too polluted to meet safety standards for swimming and recreation, aquatic life, fish consumption, or for use as drinking water. When you break it down, in the state of Michigan that is about 54,000 miles of rivers and streams that are polluted with things like nitrates, bacteria, or other contaminants which could make them unsafe for swimmers.

Why Are Michigan's Lakes, Rivers, And Streams So Polluted?

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

Some of the biggest contributors to the poor water quality are organic waste compounds, including pollutants from car exhaust, factory smokestacks, tar, insecticides, herbicides, and detergent ingredients.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

What Can Be Done To Help With Michigan's Lakes, Rivers, And Streams?

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

The Environmental Integrity Project researchers recommend the EPA update its regulations, enforce those already on the books and allocate more resources and staff to do so. The U.S. Congress passed the federal Clean Water Act in 1972.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

The law promised fishable and swimmable waters no later than 1983, and the elimination of all discharges of pollutants into navigable waters by 1985.

I have to admit I was shocked to see how much of Michigan's water is too polluted for humans and animals. I hope this becomes something Michiganders, companies, and the government take seriously and find meaningful ways to fix the damage that has already been done.

EPA Administrator Regan Tours Flint Community Water Lab
Getty Images
loading...

You can read the full study here

Check Out Michigan's Most Expensive Home Listing

Michigan's most expensive home listed is located at 1558 Dutton Road Oakland Twp, MI, and has an asking price of $11,500,000. The house sits on 22 acres of land. The house comes with seven bedrooms, 10 full baths, and 10 half baths. Let's take a look inside Michigan's most expensive home listing.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Michigan

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Michigan using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

Inside Bruce Willis' Former $37.5M Turks and Caicos Estate

Take a look inside of Bruce Willis' former $37.5 million Turks and Caicos estate that's currently for sale.

200 Square Food Shed That's Not a Cabin on Bois Blanc Island, Michigan

The township says this shed is not a cabin. Judge the photos for yourself is this property, listed at $26,000, is being lived in.

More From WKMI