America’s wastewater infrastructure received a grade of D+ in 2021, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Many of the nation’s systems are approaching or are at the end of their lifespans. System failures are often responsible for the release of untreated wastewater directly into waterways and rivers, impacting the health and safety of communities and their citizens. This summer, Michigan rivers have sustained several sewage spills which have greatly impaired water quality and safety.

On July 7, nearly 500,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into the St. Joseph River after a pipeline break at the Three Rivers water treatment plant.[1] Due to miscommunication from the plant, an emergency response to the state did not immediately happen and notification to the public about the incident was delayed by several days, jeopardizing public health. The untreated wastewater was again discharged into the river on July 26 when stormwater overwhelmed the temporary pumps being used while repairing the system from the break earlier in the month.

On July 13, the wastewater treatment plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan experienced a failure of the disinfection feed system. Although the system was restored in just over an hour, approximately 1.5 million gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged into the Kalamazoo River.[2]

Rivers serve many purposes to communities including drinking water, power generation, irrigation, transportation and recreation; however, pollution and climate change are rendering them incapable of satisfying some of those demands. The catastrophes that occurred to Michigan’s rivers are striking rivers throughout the country. Eliminating pollution is imperative, and infrastructure plays a key role.  Without appropriate funding and execution, the health and livelihood of many communities are at risk.

[1] Weidmayer, Marie. “Avoid Contact with Michigan River after 500,000-Gallon Sewage Spill.” Mlive.Com, 10 July 2023, www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2023/07/avoid-contact-with-michigan-river-after-500000-gallon-sewage-spill.html.

[2] Staff, WWMT. “System Failure Results in 1.5 Million Gallons of Partially Treated Wastewater in Michigan River.” Cbs6albany.Com, 16 July 2023, cbs6albany.com/news/nation-world/system-failure-results-in-15-million-gallons-of-partially-treated-wastewater-in-michigan-kalamazoo-river-wastewater-treatment-plant-disinfection-feed-system-failure-pathogenic-bacteria-pollutants.