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Feds Say Billions In System Upgrades Needed To Protect Drinking Water In Great Lakes Region

great-lakes.net

The U.S. EPA says nearly 80 billion dollars in infrastructure improvements are needed over the next 20 years to reduce sewage overflows and protect drinking water in the Great Lakes region. Pollution from sewer overflows and stormwater runoff is one cause of beach closures and destruction of fish and wildlife habitat. The federal government provides low-interest loans to upgrade sewer and water systems. 500 million dollars is available to the eight Great Lakes states this year. Environmentalists say at current funding levels, it would take 160 years to meet the needs of communities in the region.

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