Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation (MCFI)
Collaborating for a Water-Smart Michigan
About this Initiative
Driving Water Innovation, Resilience & Regional Prosperity in Michigan
A multi-institutional partnership pioneering solutions to freshwater challenges, from safe drinking water and stormwater resilience to data-driven infrastructure and equitable access for all Michiganders.
MCFI leverages world-class research, real-world pilots, and collaboration across government, universities, utilities, and communities to turn innovation into impact.
About the Center
Our Mission
The Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation convenes universities, utility partners, state agencies, and civic stakeholders to address critical challenges facing Michigan’s freshwater systems and accelerate the translation of research into sustainable practice.
What MCFI Does:
Develops and deploys “smart” stormwater and water-main monitoring systems
Advances PFAS detection and treatment research
Uses big data to optimize wastewater recovery and reuse
Trains community partners in water testing and filter maintenance
Our Partnerships
MCFI is powered by the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, the Great Lakes Water Authority, and regional stakeholders — united to harness Michigan’s vast research capacity for the common good.
Why It Matters
Facing Freshwater Challenges with Innovation
Michigan’s freshwater systems are under pressure from aging infrastructure, climate-driven flooding, contaminants such as PFAS, and inequitable access to safe water. MCFI stands at the intersection of research and implementation to address these urgent issues.
Economic & Community Impact
- Boosting economic growth and blue-economy innovation
- Creating jobs linked to sustainable water technologies
- Empowering communities with data, tools, and access
- Informing regional planning for long-term water system resilience
News & Stories
The Latest Updates
Training the Next Generation of Water Protectors
Project Summary As Michigan’s water infrastructure ages, so does its workforce. Wayne State University and the University of Michigan are...
AI and Innovation Keep Michigan’s Water Flowing
Project Summary Project Title: “Smart Solutions for Water Transmission Planning, Asset Management, and System Performance” Much of Southeast Michigan’s water...
Engineering Resilience: Tackling Flooding Across Southeast Michigan
Project Summary Project Title: “Southeast Michigan Flood and Storm Damage Reduction General Investigation Study” Massive floods like those of 2021...
Greening the Flood Fight: Nature as Infrastructure
Project Summary Project Title: “Integrating Nature-Based Solutions into a Comprehensive Stormwater Strategy for Southeast Michigan” What if wetlands, trees, and...
Making Michigan’s Drinking Water Safer and Fairer
Project Summary Project Title: “Water Infrastructure Regional Planning (State of Michigan)” Every parent deserves to trust the water coming from...
Smarter Stormwater: Teaming Up to Prevent Southeast Michigan Floods
Project Summary Project Title: “Regional Coordination to Optimize Stormwater System Operations” After record-breaking floods in 2021 left basements and streets...
Get Involved
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Curt Wolf, Managing Director at Urban Collaboratory with the University of Michigan College of Engineering, at curtwolf@umich.edu.