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Disclosing the Water Gap website homepage.

Spartans Making a Difference: (Dis)closing the Water Gap

MSU researchers, in collaboration with the nonprofit DigDeep and the Matrix: Center for Digital Humanities & Social Sciences at MSU have created a national dashboard to better address water and sanitation access in the U.S.
A cylindrical soil core sample covered in dried root material and thatch, sitting on a patch of dormant grass near a paved surface.

Testing for contaminants in soil, water and plants

Sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt you. MSU Extension's soil testing service offers a variety of analyses through the Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer, and the commercial soil test bag.

Two workers on a boat handling large fish nets over open water on a sunny day, engaged in aquaculture or fishery sampling operations.

One lake's success story: Winning the fight to control invasive Eurasian water milfoil

Higgins Lake uses diver-assisted suction harvesting to reduce the aquatic invasive species but it has taken an investment of time and money.

Faucet with running water.

Michigan is last state without a septic system code. Will that change?

A new Senate bill would address the regulation, inspection and re-evaluation of septic systems. If passed, Michigan would become the last state with a comprehensive septic code intended to prevent contamination of drinking water.
Assistant Professor Yoorae Noh.

MSU packaging assistant professor Yoorae Noh explains the human health implications of micro- and nanoplastics

Dr. Yoorae Noh has spent her career investigating plastics, microplastics, and the emerging concern of nanoplastics.
Autumn Bland, MSU Water Alliance Director Joan Rose, and Leo Baldiga at GYSS in Singapore, Jan 5-9, 2026. PHOTO Credit Samantha Yeap, GYSS Photo Gallery

WaterCube NRT Fellows Attend Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore

WaterCube NRT Fellows Autumn Bland and Leo Baldiga participated in the Global Young Scientists Summit (Jan 5–9).
Scattered plastic bottles.

Understanding Microplastics: How Tiny Plastics Impact Michigan’s Waterways

MSU researchers are studying how microplastics develop, how they move through Michigan’s water systems, and what that means for humans and ecosystem health.
Greg Rouland conducting field research.

About the MSU WaterCube National Research Traineeship

The WaterCube NRT program at MSU was designed to prepare a competent workforce for addressing future sustainability and socio-economic challenges in water.
Woman standing in a museum, "river has no borders."

River Has No Borders | Mekong Voices Exhibit at MSU Broad Art Museum

Often called Southeast Asia’s “Mother River,” the Mekong sustains the lives, cultures, and food systems of more than 60 million people.
Water with bubbles in it.

Apply for 2026 Water Research Fellowships

The Rose Graduate Fellowship and Clifford Humphrys Fellowship are now open for graduate and doctoral students conducting water-related research.
A person standing in shallow water lowers a handheld testing device into the surface.

Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 2

Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.
A narrow stream of dark water flows through a wooded area covered in fallen leaves.

Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 1

Counties and townships can protect surface and groundwater by adopting time of sale septic inspection ordinances.