Water Wars, Part II

As the summer winds down, so does “Up North” time on the Lakes for the majority of Michiganders.  The Great Lakes and all of Michigan’s waterways are more than just natural resources for us, they are a way of life.  However, this way of life is at risk; Scientists are telling us the Lakes are on the brink of “ecosystem collapse” from threats including invasive species, toxic pollution, habitat loss, sewage dumping, global warming and water diversions.

Fortunately, there may be some good news to report on the water use and diversions front.  Michigan residents who depend on the state’s vast water-based economy or just enjoy Great Lakes beaches will benefit from a package of bills introduced in the state House of Representatives with Environment Michigan’s support.  The legislation will protect the state’s waters from diversion, pollution, and harmful misuse by water bottling companies, mining operations and others. It also puts Michigan in compliance with the eight-state Great Lakes Compact agreement signed by all the states’ governors in 2005.

As the only state entirely within the Great Lakes watershed, Michigan has the most to gain from the strong regulations included in this package of bills.  The proposed Michigan rules establish a permit system for water withdrawal that requires users to prove they will not harm the resource. That’s essential for protecting the Great Lakes, and also the countless brooks, streams, ponds, swamps, creeks, lakes and groundwater that pulses through Michigan.