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U-M divers retrieve 8,900-year-old piece of wood from Lake Huron
Annarbor.com (12/12)
University of Michigan researchers announced they have found a 5 1/2 foot long, pole-shaped piece of wood that is 8,900 years old in Lake Huron.
Superior researchers studying invasives, ballast water
Ashland Current (2/9)
Determining how clean a ship's ballast water must be to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species is the goal of the latest research partnership between the Northeast-Midwest Institute and the Lake Superior Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
RIVERKEEPERS: Tending the waterways
Niagara Gazette (2/6)
The goal of the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is two-fold: protecting the water quantity and the quality, as well as connecting people to the waterfront.
Internationally renowned ‘Ocean Doctor’ to speak in Grand Rapids
MLive.com (2/3)
Known as the “Ocean Doctor,” David Guggenheim will speak in Grand Rapids, Mich., about the many similarities between the threats to the oceans and to our Great Lakes.
SUNY Fredonia to lead Great Lakes pollution study
Wall Street Journal (2/3)
Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes will be the focus of a study this summer. Led by the State University of New York at Fredonia, researchers will try to quantify the amount of plastic polluting the fresh water Great Lakes.
SSC students taking part in marine science bowl
Arenac County Independent (1/31)
Teams of Michigan high school students will be heading to Ann Arbor this weekend to take part in the annual Great Lakes Bowl, a quiz event that focuses on questions about marine and freshwater systems and biology.
What's going on in your neighborhood this month? Meet other people and learn together at recreational and educational events! Our new dynamic calendar is updated daily with current educational events.
Is it safe to drink water directly from the Great Lakes?
from Victoria in Ajax, Age 7
There is no such thing as absolutely pure water. Water is an extremely good solvent; this means that any quantity of water can dissolve some amount of almost anything else. So in its natural state, water always contains impurities. Because of this, we do not recommend drinking water directly from the Great Lakes.
At a time when the water levels of the great Lakes are low, there is a higher volume of material (including pollution, biological waste, and other chemicals) dissolved in the water of the Great Lakes. This is why all water is always treated and filtered before it comes to your home.
Many of the chemicals dissolved in water are not harmful, they may in fact, be good for you. For example, calcium is essential for building healthy bones and teeth. Yet too much calcium can be dangerous. Just remember that there's a lot more in the water of the Great Lakes than just plain water!
Related references:
TEACH: Water Pollution in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes - Water Use - Drinking Water
EPA Office of Water: Drinking Water Glossary
GLIN: Water quality in the Great Lakes
Thank you for your question!
Answered on June 25, 2001