Waterfront property owners in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties can get a free environmental assessment called Lake*A*Syst.

The assessment provides an easy to use checklist that informs shoreline residents if they are at high, medium, or low risk for water contamination, and offers suggestions to improve conditions that lead to contamination.

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, in cooperation with Michigan State University Extension and AmeriCorps Volunteer service, are partnering to provide more assessment services for the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The services can help limit risks to groundwater, lakes, and streams.

People who live on a lake or stream have a particular responsibility to prevent pollutants from entering the water.

Many activities occur around the water that can affect water quality, so owners can improve land use practices or activities on their land.

Danielle King, an AmeriCorps volunteer, administers the program locally.

The three areas covered in the survey include Household Wastewater Management, Lawn and Garden Care, and Stormwater Runoff Management.

Ms. King can be reached at (906) 635-6368 or kingdan4@ msu.edu. Water and soil testing are also available.