Clean Water in Michigan As challenges around water continue to grow, the work of The Nature Conservancy in Michigan contributes to Great Lakes learning and knowledge that informs freshwater solutions across the region, and around the world. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
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Beer has four main ingredients: water, grain, hops and yeast. While water may seem like the simplest of those ingredients, a lot goes into making sure we A) have enough fresh water; B) that water is clean. At the root of this is healthy forests.
Some 40% of the world’s usable water is stored and filtered through forests. From the tree canopy all the way down to root systems, every part of a forest plays a critical role in cleaning and protecting our water supply.
Just over half of Michigan is forested. These 20 million acres play an important role for our wildlife, our workforce and our water. According to the Brewer’s Association, Michigan produces 842,216 barrels of craft beer every year. We need clean water to make it. And without healthy forests, it wouldn’t be possible.
3 Ways Forests Make Beer Possible
Your cold glass of beer is more than 90% water. In addition to the water in your beverage, water is used to produce other ingredients like grain and hops. This makes it an essential part of the brewing process. Enter forests.
1. Forests help stop erosion and reduce runoff.
When it rains, water has to go somewhere. Rather than rainfall rushing to the ground, the leaves and branches of a tree slow rainwater’s descent, preventing erosion. Meanwhile, tree roots slowly absorb water back into the ground, reducing the amount of runoff and pollutants that enter our waterways.
2. Forested watersheds clean water and recharge groundwater.
After tree canopies slow rainfall and the roots help the ground absorb the water, nutrients are filtered out. The water then flows into underground aquifers which provide an important source for clean water. At least 35% of the drinking water in the United States is supplied by groundwater.
3. Tree canopies of large forests influence rainfall patterns.
As you recline under a canopy on your favorite patio, tree canopies are hard at work. A tree's foliage releases water vapor into the atmosphere. This helps produce something known as "rivers in the sky" which are responsible for rainfall both locally and thousands of miles away.
We're Root-ing for Michigan Forests
So, we need clean water. Sound simple? Not so fast. The key here is that we need healthy forests to filter our water. Unfortunately, the health of Michigan’s forests has been challenged by a complex history of ownership and intensive use, as well as encroaching pests and disease.
That's why The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is demonstrating sustainable, data-driven forest management practices—and encouraging others to use them as well. Together, we can ensure Michigan’s forests remain healthy, resilient and productive for generations to come.
For love of Forests and Fresh Water
Brewers Support Oktoberforest
Great Lakes Watershed The entire state of Michigan lies within a Great Lake watershed, so maintaining healthy forests is important to create a thriving ecosystem. Thank you to all the brewers helping support this mission by participating in the Oktoberforest celebration!
Like beer? Love forests.
It’s not an obvious connection: beer and forests. But, we hope the next time you enjoy a pint, you give a nod to the trees.
More from Michigan
TNC is taking a climate lens to forest restoration across Michigan, looking at where and how conservation action can help forests be more diverse, climate-resilient and disease-resistant.
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Learn how TNC is working to protect the freshwater legacy and future of Michigan's Great Lakes by addressing system-wide issues in the state.