Long-term impact of groundwater use limits

By Andi Anderson

A recent report reveals that the long-term economic, social, and environmental costs of relying on institutional controls (ICs), such as land use restrictions, to manage groundwater contamination are significantly higher than anticipated.

These controls, often in the form of deed restrictions or local ordinances, prevent the use of contaminated groundwater but do not actively remove the pollution. The study, commissioned by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), found that while ICs offer short-term savings, they may create larger financial and ecological burdens over time.

The report, authored by the Institute for Water Research (IWR) at Michigan State University and FLOW, an environmental law and policy center, analyzed over 2,000 sites in Michigan where ICs are in place.

These sites span an area more than twice the size of the City of Grand Rapids. The research suggests that initial cost estimates for using ICs often fall short of actual expenses due to factors like contaminant migration and evolving science on contamination levels.

While ICs are initially less expensive than active remediation efforts like groundwater pumping and soil treatment, the long-term consequences of allowing pollutants to persist can be severe.

Groundwater contamination continues to spread, affecting public and private water supplies. Additionally, the report highlights the broader social and ecological impacts, such as reduced public trust, stigmatized communities, and environmental degradation.

The report recommends prioritizing the removal of contamination sources and assessing natural resource damage fees for companies relying on ICs.

It also calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws that require landowners to disclose contamination and for the implementation of a statewide system to track contaminated sites.

Experts emphasize the need to focus on active cleanup, not just containment. With nearly half of Michigan’s population relying on groundwater for drinking water, the stakes are high for both current and future generations.

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