DEADLINE: IJNR Workshop on Water Infrastructure

Communities across the country are grappling with aging water infrastructure, and for millions of Americans a safe, reliable water supply can no longer be taken for granted. From boil-water advisories to lead service lines to ruptured water mains, utilities struggle to patch fragile systems together.

The federal government has stepped in to help, with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law flowing into states to try to fix some of these problems. Money helps, but some issues are symptoms of larger systemic flaws, and many stakeholders say it is time to rethink how we move, treat and price our most vital resource.

This August 11-14, 2024, the Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources will conduct a three-day workshop for journalists that will explore some of these stories in Chicagoland, northwestern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Journalists will meet with policymakers, water utilities, engineers, community organizations and concerned citizens who are all working to keep the taps flowing.

Potential topics and locations include:

• Plans to connect Chicago suburbs to Lake Michigan water.
• The massive challenge of lead service line replacement in Chicago.
• How art and community activism are bringing people to the water policy table.
• The environmental justice issues created by disinvestment and state management of water systems in Benton Harbor, Mich.
• Freshwater as an industrial business opportunity in Hammond, Ind.
• Efforts to reduce flooding and restore a more natural flow on the Little Calumet River.

We will select up to 15 applicants who represent diversity in geography, outlet, race, gender, experience, and journalistic medium. Priority consideration will be given to journalists of color.

Participation is free. IJNR covers all program expenses (food, lodging, local travel) during programs.

Deadline is July 3.

Apply here.