ESD Institute Water Symposium

The ESD Board of Directors selected the Clean Water Initiative as the subject for a standalone symposium because of the significant role water can and will play in our state's economic recovery and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of this precious resource. Approximately 20% of the world's surface fresh water is present within the Great Lakes and management and utilization of this resource is a critical priority. While many parts of the world and the United States confront water shortages, Michigan faces the challenge of protecting its water quality and developing a cogent and unified strategy for water to improve the economy of the state.

The Clean Water Symposium examined how water can provide economic opportunities by utilizing the professional talent within the state at our universities, government, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. The symposium featured four breakout sessions and each one endorsed the water technology initiative recently launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The symposium expanded upon this initiative and embraced the blueprint of a "Blue Economy" to reflect the overall vision of using water to stimulate economic recovery.

Director's Recommendations:

1. Form Clean Water Steering Committee
2. Establishment of State Funding Sources
3. State University Water Research Collaboration & Center of Excellence
4. Growing and Supporting a Blue Economy within the DWSD Service Area

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REPORT
Appendix A
      Michigan Clean Water Executive Summary
Appendix B
      Michigan Clean Water List of Participants
Appendix C
      Facilitators and Water Committee Biographical Information
Appendix D
      The Engineering Society of Detroit and ESD Institute
      Board of Directors
Appendix E
      “The Engineering Society of Detroit Overview for Clean Water
      Symposium” — Darlene Trudell, Executive Vice President,
      Engineering Society of Detroit
Appendix F
      “Clean Water Symposium” — Christopher J. Webb, J.D., FESD,
      and David A. Skiven, PE, FESD, Co-Directors, ESD Institute
Appendix G
      “The MEDC Water Technologies Cluster” — Gil Pezza,
      MEDC — Water Technologies Initiative
Appendix H
      “The United Nations Global Compact: CEO Water Mandate” —
      David Berdish, Sustainable Business Strategies,
      Ford Motor Company
Appendix I
      “Water, Waste Water and Drinking Water Issues in Michigan” —
      Peter Ostlund, Michigan DEQ, Water Bureau
Appendix J
      “Master Plan Visioning Work Group” — Charlie Fleetham, Project
      Innovations, Inc.
Appendix K
      “Energy in the Great Lakes — Applications at Detroit Edison” —
      David Sonntag, Engineer, DTE Energy
Appendix L
      “GM — Water Conservation Strategies” — Rob Threlkeld,
      Utilities Engineer, General Motors Corporation
Appendix M
      “Water Withdrawal Assessment Process” — David Hamilton, Chief,
      Water Management Section, Michigan DEQ, Land and Water
      Management