Groundwater Governance

Tribal engagement and intergovernmental collaboration to build capacity

Freshwater is leading a multi-year project on groundwater governance in the Great Lakes region. This includes in-depth analysis of policies affecting groundwater use in different states, along with engagement and capacity building with tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and local communities. This continued work is intended to provide governing agencies, elected officials and other decision makers with defined strategies on how to equitably and sustainably manage groundwater over the long term.

Goal: Identify best practices for shared groundwater governance by working in “aquifer action clusters” across the states and federally recognized Tribal Nations in EPA Region 5.

Annual Budget: 100% funded through the Joyce Foundation

Partners: Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Water 365, Chicago Metropolitan Area Planning!