The current water level in Lake Michigan is higher than historical records. The high water appears to be the result of intense rainfall over the past several years, coupled with increased groundwater and irrigation water use. So why is the water level in Lake Michigan so high?
The Great Lakes—including Lake Michigan—experience cyclic changes in water levels. For most of the 20th century, water levels were at or slightly above the long-term average. In recent years, however, there has been a steeper decline. Between 2019 and 2020, the water levels in Lake Michigan decreased by over two feet, while the lakewide average dropped more than a foot.
A number of factors have contributed to this decline, most notably an increase in precipitation. In the Great Lakes region, precipitation has increased by about three to four inches per year on average since 1910. This increase has caused more runoff and decreased evaporation from the lake’s surface, leading to higher water levels.
Groundwater use is another factor that has likely contributed to the high water levels in Lake Michigan. Since the early 2000s, the lake’s shoreline has experienced rapid development on both the US and Canadian sides. This development has been accompanied by an increase in groundwater pumping, which can reduce the lake’s water levels.
Finally, much of the Great Lakes region relies on irrigation water to support agricultural production. As the number of farms and fields has increased in recent decades, so too has the amount of water being used for irrigation. This can lead to decreased water storage in the lake, resulting in higher water levels.
Experts say it is difficult to predict the future of water levels in Lake Michigan. Changes in climate, groundwater use, and irrigation water use will all influence how the lake behaves in the coming years. One thing is certain: the high water levels in Lake Michigan have the potential to cause a range of problems, from property damage to impaired water quality.
Impact on Wildlife
High water levels in Lake Michigan have an impact on the lake’s ecosystem. As the lake rises, it can cause disruption to local wildlife, including fish and birds. In recent years, numerous species of fish have seen declines in population, a result of the lake’s rising water levels.
The lake’s shoreline also serves as valuable habitat for several species of birds, some of which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The high water has been observed to interfere with the delivery of food to bird populations and inhibit breeding cycles, potentially leading to further population declines.
Furthermore, the high water levels can cause erosion, which can erode away valuable habitats from lakeshore ecosystems. The destruction of these vital habitats could have serious implications for the fish and migratory birds that rely on them for survival.
And lastly, the high water has implications for nearby beaches. The high water levels can reduce the amount of sand available for beachgoers, making it difficult or impossible to access or even see the beach.
Implications on Coastal Communities
The high water levels in Lake Michigan also bring consequences to the local community, particularly on the shores of the lake. As the water levels rise, the resulting wave action can cause shoreline erosion and damage to structures such as docks, marinas, and other infrastructure.
The effects of erosion can be particularly devastating to coastal communities. Coastal erosion can lead to property damage, as it can displace entire buildings and homes from their locations. Furthermore, erosion of dunes and wetlands can lead to a loss of critical habitat for both human and non-human communities.
High water levels can also have economic implications for coastal communities. Tourism, for example, is an important source of revenue for many villages and towns on the lake’s shores. However, the wave action associated with high water levels can reduce the amount of usable beach area, which can reduce tourism in those areas and the revenue generated from it.
Additionally, higher water levels can interfere with navigation on the lake, making it more difficult and dangerous to navigate. This can impede transportation and commercial and recreational boating activities on the lake, ultimately reducing the economic benefits of the lake to nearby communities.
Public Responses
In response to the rising water levels, local and state governments, as well as federal agencies, have implemented a range of responses. One of the most prominent actions taken has been to increase public awareness of the risks and implications associated with high water levels.
Various educational programs have been put in place to inform the public on how to protect themselves from high water levels. These programs have included community outreach, educational seminars, and public service announcements. Additionally, various regulations have been put into place to restrict activities that can contribute to further increases in water levels.
At the state level, some states have adopted emergency response plans in order to respond quickly to any flooding emergencies. These plans include emergency contact numbers, evacuation routes, and safety protocols.
At the federal level, the US Army Corps of Engineers has developed a Long Range Plan for the Great Lakes, which aims to address long-term challenges associated with water levels. The plan outlines strategies to monitor and manage water levels, as well as to improve navigation infrastructure.
Scientific Research and Solutions
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted in order to better understand the causes and implications of high water levels in Lake Michigan. Studies have examined the impacts of climate change, the effects of groundwater pumping, and the potential implications of irrigation water use.
In addition to increasing public awareness and implementing regulations, scientists have proposed numerous solutions to address the high water levels in Lake Michigan. One proposed solution is to increase the number of wetlands in the region, which can help mitigate the effects of increased runoff from precipitation. Other solutions include introducing damming systems to better control water levels, and using pumps and turbines to move water from one body of water to another.
Finally, scientists are looking into ways to reduce the amount of water input into the lake in order to reduce water levels. This could include limiting groundwater pumping and irrigation water use, as well as reducing runoff from drainage systems and impervious surfaces.
Environmental Consequences
As the water levels in Lake Michigan continue to rise, there is potential for a host of environmental problems. One of the most pressing issues is the potential for algae blooms, a result of increased nutrient runoff and warmer water temperatures. These algae blooms can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the lake, which can have a wide range of deleterious effects on fish, aquatic plants, and other organisms.
Additionally, high water levels have the potential to cause displacement and displacement of aquatic species, as well as disruption of spawning activities. This can have serious consequences on the sustainability of certain species of fish, and can lead to a decrease in the overall diversity of the lake’s ecosystem.
The high water levels can also cause increased erosion of shoreline habitats, leading to a decrease in their function and availability for local species. As the lake continues to rise, there is a risk of increased contamination of water sources, leading to decreased water quality.
Overall, the high water levels in Lake Michigan have the potential to cause a range of environmental problems. It is essential that local, state, and federal governments take the necessary measures to address this issue before it becomes an even larger problem.
