MSU Extension Water Quality

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  Water Quality

  MSU Extension works with community leaders to create water-protection strategies, landowners and industry to reduce risks of water pollution, and state agencies to develop water quality information systems.

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• Water alkalinity and pH: What they mean in regards to water quality

  Published on April 12, 2018
  Understanding the difference between alkalinity and pH and how alkaline water can affect plants is important in determining what to do to remedy possible nutritional problems.

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  Biodiversity Is … Youth voices on biodiversity conservation to be shared through film

  Published on January 24, 2017
  Thunder Bay International Film Festival features Great Lakes issues, ocean exploration, maritime heritage and more.

• Not all beach muck is created equal

  Published on July 10, 2012
  Summertime can bring green water and foul muck to shore following nuisance algae growth. Sandy beaches on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore are less likely to be affected than rocky northern and western shores.

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  Farming for Fish? Webinar will explore how to get started

  Published on February 16, 2017
  Webinar series for beginning farmers includes an overview of this fast-growing business sector.

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  Common problems we observe in local zoning: Part 2

  Published on October 22, 2015
  MSU Extension land use specialists are often reading zoning from many different communities. Doing so shows us some common problems which should be corrected in zoning.

• Invasive Phragmites australis: What is it and why is it a problem?

  Published on November 22, 2013
  Invasive Phragmites australis is changing many Michigan wetlands—and not for the better.

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  Cold weather kills pond duckweeds, until spring

  Published on December 6, 2018
  Late fall brings many complaints of weeds in ponds, but cold temperatures kill most for the winter.

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  Youth are talking about water quality in northeast Michigan – Part 1

  Published on May 18, 2015
  Youth are learning about and engaging in monitoring and discussing water quality across northeast Michigan.

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  Pasture ponds, horses and algae. Oh my!

  Published on April 4, 2018
  Protect your livestock from potential illness carried in pasture ponds. Protect pasture ponds from erosion and contamination caused by livestock.

• Groundwater models teach all ages about the water cycle, and how water and pollutants travel

  Published on November 30, 2012
  Using a watershed or groundwater model simulator makes it easier to teach about water and geology beneath our feet.

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  Fourth Shoreline & Shallows Conference furthers natural shoreline efforts

  Published on April 15, 2015
  Strong speaker line-up addresses multiple issues during MSU’s Ag and Natural Resources Week.

• National Groundwater Awareness Week March 5-11, 2017

  Published on March 5, 2017
  Learn more about the water we drink during National Groundwater Awareness Week March 5-11, 2017.

• Maintaining your storm water management pond

  Published on October 30, 2017
  Storm water management ponds require regular maintenance to insure they function properly. Poorly maintained ponds can reduce their ability to control flooding and/or prevent pollution.

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  Innovation, excitement to begin at Boardman River System in Traverse City – Part 2

  Published on October 4, 2016
  Fall fish migration in full swing at Boardman River Weir/James Price Trap and Harvest Facility.

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  Rise and fall: Lakes Michigan-Huron reach highest level since 1998 in June 2014

  Published on July 14, 2014
  Lake level fluctuations are normal during the year, and year-to-year. Just how much fluctuation can be expected this year in Lakes Michigan and Huron?

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  Woody debris in urban watersheds - Not so cut and dried

  Published on September 1, 2015
  Understanding the critical and beneficial role that woody debris plays in a river's ecology and how to properly manage it is crucial when dealing with large woody debris issues in urban watersheds.

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  New field guide to aquatic invasive plants in Michigan released by MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams

  Published on September 30, 2025
  This new resource serves as a practical guide to identifying and reporting aquatic invasive plants in lakes, streams, and ponds.

• Great Lakes Conference at MSU to address Great Lakes issues

  Published on February 10, 2014
  The 2014 Great Lakes Conference will, again, be part of ANR Week at MSU, and will focus on current issues and information relating to our Great Lakes.

• 4-H Great Lakes campers experience, explore Great Lakes fisheries science and careers

  Published on September 23, 2013
  Youth experience science and ecology, fun and food values of our Great Lakes fisheries, among their many hands-on learning opportunities offered during the 2013 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp.

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  Can medications harm my septic system?

  Published on February 8, 2019
  If someone in your home is taking medications for an extended period, you may want to have your septic tank pumped more often.