Environmental Impacts of Lake Michigan Levels
High levels of water in Lake Michigan have both natural and manmade causes, and can have devastating impacts on the local communities and environment surrounding the body of water. Changes in Lake Michigan water levels indicate a range of environmental problems, including shoreline erosion, near and far shore flooding, sedimentation, flooding, decreased fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational activity disruption.
Natural Causes of High Water
The Great Lakes water levels are generally governed by precipitation, runoff, evaporation and river flow. However, climate change has broken the connection between these natural variables. Changes in Lake Michigan water levels are driven by a variety of climate-related shifts such as increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, increasing storm intensity, and melting ice caps and glacial ice.
Manmade Causes of High Water
Humans are also largely responsible for rising water levels in Lake Michigan. For example, urbanization and deforestation result in higher levels of runoff, channelization of rivers and removal of wetland vegetation can increase water levels. Industrial and agricultural activities can discharge pollutants in the form of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediments into Lake Michigan, leading to higher levels of water.
Impacts on the Environment
The impacts of Lake Michigan’s high water levels on the environment can be severe. For example, higher water levels lead to an increase in water temperature, causing harmful algal blooms and impacting species such as the lake trout and Lake Michigan smallmouth bass. Additionally, the increase of sediment has been linked to deoxygenation in the lake, leading to lower water clarity and fish kills. Furthermore, high levels of water can lead to increased winds and erosion of beaches, destruction of wetlands and wildlife, increased lakefront property damage, and reduced recreational opportunities.
Personal Experiences
My personal experience with Lake Michigan water levels, in particular, have been extremely revealing. Growing up near the lake I could sense the changes in the lake’s behavior, water levels, and opportunities to enjoy water activities. For instance, the boat launch docks that used to be hundreds of yards away from the shoreline are now steps away. Further, I have noticed an increase in potential flood sites in the surrounding areas due to the increase in water level and more intense storms compared to when I was younger.
Mitigation Strategies
The most common way to mitigate the impacts of rising lake levels is to build shore defenses, such as seawalls and revetments, which can help protect inland areas from flooding and erosion. Dredging projects also can help reduce sedimentation and lower water levels. Additionally, efforts to restore wetlands, reduce agricultural runoff, and plant vegetation along the shoreline can help improve water quality and reduce water levels.
Economic Implications of Lake Michigan Levels
High water levels in Lake Michigan can cause a range of economic implications, including damage to infrastructure, private property, and tourism industries. This is because of the water’s ability to seep into roads, basements and recreational areas, leading to increased repair costs. Furthermore, high water speeds can decrease commercial navigation in the Great Lakes, as ships have slower speeds due to an increase in wave height and swells. There can also be increased costs associated with building shore defences such as seawalls and dredging projects to reduce sedimentation.
Industry Responses
Industries have begun to respond to the risks posed by high water levels. A variety of technologies and smart systems have been developed to help mitigate damage from flooding, such as backflow prevention systems and flood control gates. Additionally, insurance companies now offer coverage for property owners situated near lakes, helping them protect their investments.
Role of Government
It is clear that both private and public sectors will play a role in finding solutions for Lake Michigan’s high water levels. Governments should prioritize wetland conservation and encourage the use of green infrastructure in urban development. Lawmakers should pass policies that incentivize the use of smart systems and technologies by local establishments to prevent erosion and flooding. In addition, more effective enforcement of laws limiting the discharge of pollutants should be enacted to reduce the impacts of water contamination.
Technological Solutions
Various technological solutions have been introduced to help local communities and industry respond to the effects of high water levels. These technologies range from flood detection and warning systems to the development of predictive models to forecast water level changes. Other initiatives include the development of drone technology to monitor shorelines, and artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that can quickly analyze large amounts of data and detect early warnings of flooding.
Research Initiatives
In an effort to understand the causes and impacts of Lake Michigan’s high water levels, there have been numerous studies and research initiatives undertaken by scientists. For example, the Great Lakes Research and Monitoring Centers have launched several projects to study the impact of climate change on water levels, sediment and pollution in the Great Lakes. Creating detailed maps of Lake Michigan from data collected from various sensor platforms has also allowed researchers to accurately gauge the degree of erosion and flood damage in the area.
Education and Outreach
To ensure that communities and industry are properly prepared to respond to high water levels, education and outreach strategies must be implemented. For instance, city and county governments should create awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers posed by high water levels and the importance of protecting shoreline areas. Additionally, organizations such as the Great Lakes Commission could develop online and in-person workshops to help industry, businesses, and homeowners understand the potential impacts of climate change and how to respond safely and effectively to flooding.
