What do water rights mean to you? Some common questions and and answers.

Does water rights legislation mean more taxes?

No, absolutely not. The goal of Clean Water Action's water rights campaign is to make sure that your rights to plentiful groundwater are protected-so wells won't run dry and lake and stream levels stay healthy.  Taxes aren't mentioned or intended in the proposed laws.

Will well owners be required to get permits?

No. Under the law, all citizens have the right to reasonable use of the water in the state. That will not change. In fact, the proposed water rights legislation will protect that reasonable use by making sure that our water supply is not exported in large quantities by  big corporations.

How will this affect our manufacturers or farmers who use water?

Water rights legislation will not prevent farmers or Michigan manufacturers from using groundwater. In fact, it protects their water supply by making sure that it is not exported in large quantities.

What are some of the economic consequences?
Michigan is poised to take advantage of the rapidly-growing clean energy industry because we have the infrastructure and workforce talent to make the components here at home. Parts for wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced batteries, for example, are already being manufactured in Michigan. We also have one of the most diverse and largest agricultural industries-totaling $64 billion in 2009. Additionally, the boating and fishing industries made possible by the Great Lakes provide billions of dollars of revenue each year. All of these industries require a secure and plentiful supply of water in order to grow and prosper.

What are the consequences for communities?

Clean Water Action believes empowering individuals to protect their natural resources is a good approach to protecting the health of our water and our own  prosperity. This water rights campaign will defend citizens' use of water.  Under our water rights plan, citizens will have legal tools to prevent their groundwater from being depleted and exported by corporations who care only about their profits.