What industrial expansion means for irrigation water access

Michigan State University (MSU) and Purdue Extension experts announced an upcoming webinar focusing on shifting water policies in Indiana and Michigan.  

The Irrigation Day scheduled for March 5, 2026, features three sessions focused on water policy and how data centers, chip manufacturers and other manufacturers create water-use competition for irrigators.  

Irrigation users outside the region may not be directly affected by regional policymaking; however, manufacturing and data centers are cropping up nationwide and may impact water use in your area in the future. Earlier in the year, MSU released survey results, and irrigators ranked water availability under current or future regulations as one of the most pressing issues.  

The sessions include:  

10:00-10:50 a.m. Why is irrigation important to our area
12:00-12:50 p.m. Understanding the competition for water and how it may change water policy 
2:00-2:50 p.m. Michigan large water use: Site-specific review and water users committee 

Pre-registration is encouraged.