Photo by mrjn Photography on Unsplash.

by Judith Sheldon
Detroit Branch

June 2023

The Detroit Branch continued its ongoing “Kitchen Table Talk and Action” series, focusing its April 20, 2023 session on water issues: “Water for All: The Future of Water in the Great Lakes Region.” Although much of this Zoom presentation reflected the multiple and increasingly serious concerns of the Great Lakes region and the six states most immediately impacted, it also made connections to national and international water issues due to the smaller lakes, rivers, and tributaries that cycle through the Great Lakes leading to the Atlantic Ocean.

Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW (For Love Of Water) and an environmental lawyer with over 20 years of experience, presented sobering statistics and described recent changes impacting the Great Lakes. Her work with water, sanitation, energy, and environmental governance issues, both nationally and internationally, informed her comprehensive presentation. She discussed a wide range of important issues, including Enbridge’s Line 5, groundwater contamination by septic tanks, infrastructure financing, and water privatization. In developing and overseeing FLOW’s work on key Great Lakes environmental policies designed to promote healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and access to safe, clean, affordable water for all, she regularly speaks publicly and recommends that people take action on water issues. 

One action that WILPF members and friends can take now is to contact the White House and demand that President Biden shut down Line 5. This aging oil pipeline running from Canada at the bottom of the Mackinac Straits and into Michigan is a threat to Lakes Huron and Michigan. It is operated by Enbridge, the same corporation that operates another pipeline that burst in 2010, leaking tar sands oil in one of the largest inland oil spills in the country. For more information on Line 5, check out FLOW’s website. 

WILPF members and friends from eight Michigan cities, as well as Minnesota, listened attentively and asked many questions. Everyone was surprised by what is happening to the water, shorelines, and groundwater around us. We left the session in a shared determination to contribute to the preservation of the largest body of fresh water on our planet.

Watch the recording here. We hope that you will share this excellent presentation with others.

Information about each monthly 7 pm Kitchen Table Talk and Action event will be sent to all WILPF national members. Please email Laura Dewey at wilpfdetroit@att.net with questions.