At over 6 quadrillion gallons of water and situated between 4 states and two countries, Lake Michigan’s disappearance would be catastrophic to many species and communities around its shoreline. Its role in the environment is vast and far reaching, as it helps regulate climate and rainfall, and it supports species from large mammals, like whales and fish, to microscopic invertebrates and bacteria.
Groundwater Mining
Groundwater mining – pumping of large amounts of water out of the ground, often for agricultural use – is one of the greatest concerns for the future of Lake Michigan. Quarries and farms have been taking water out of the ground faster than what it can be replaced, leading to water depletion and staleness. Much of the water missing from the lake is due to excess human usage, and the decrease in water levels continues to cause a decrease in lake levels.
Climate change and increasing temperatures also act to evaporate more water from the lake. In addition, the Chicago River connects the lake to the Mississippi River, but with certain locks and dams in place, the natural replenishment of the lake might be hampered.
Potential Outcomes
The worst-case outcome of Lake Michigan running dry is calamitous. Salty ocean water, flooding, soil erosion, and ecological disruption are all possibilities, with the devastation rippling out far beyond the affected lakeshore communities. The coastline, too, would suffer, as the variety of aquatic life in the lake, on which organisms depend, might be harmed or wiped out. The economy of the Midwest would also be heavily affected, as the Great Lakes are a big tourist destination and a major source of freshwater for many states and towns that rely on it for their drinking water, irrigation for crops, and livelihoods.
Experts Perspectives
Experts are divided on the subject of Lake Michigan’s future. Some believe that, with the combination of human-caused problems such as over-development, global warming, and water pollution, Lake Michigan’s days are numbered. Others are cautiously optimistic about the future of Lake Michigan and believe the lake will not run dry, but rather that its levels will slowly decrease in response to the many threats posed to it.
To try and counteract these problems, experts have recommended a reduction in the amount of water taken from the lake, an increase in the amount of water being put back in, regulation of groundwater mining, and improved management of the Chicago River locks and dams.
Native Plant Protection
Native plants are essential in order to maintain a healthy and balanced lake ecosystem. Regulation of groundwater mining is one way to protect them, as over-extraction can cause lake levels to decrease, allowing saltwater intrusion in freshwater areas, among other damages. In addition, preventing or managing agricultural runoff, which can add harmful fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals to nearby creeks, rivers and lakes, is crucial to avoid the death of sensitive native species.
Public Awareness
Finally, public awareness and support in this matter is essential for Lake Michigan’s future. Everyone can contribute to preserving and protecting Lake Michigan by controlling water pollution, minimizing single-use plastics, and adopting sustainable practices. Establishing certain protections for the lake, such as creating conservation areas, and limiting activities such as fisheries, can be beneficial in helping the lake reach a healthy equilibrium.
Environmental Organizations
To help bring public awareness to the subject, several groups have emerged in the fight to preserve Lake Michigan. Some of the organizations have hosted awareness campaigns, and others have raised funds to help protect the lake’s shores and its beaches. All in all, these organizations work together to help bring public attention to the environmental issues Lake Michigan is facing.
Education and Governance
Education is a big part of ensuring Lake Michigan’s future. Schools and universities have joined the effort by designing and teaching courses that focus on the preservation of the lake’s ecosystem and raising awareness among the general public. In addition, the governments of the states and countries bordering the lake have also taken measures to try to protect the lake, from setting up laws governing water extraction and usage to creating bodies responsible for monitoring and enforcing them.
Local Communities
For the preservation of Lake Michigan, local communities are perhaps the most important group. Through their contributions, from actively participating in beach clean-ups to supporting local businesses that support the lake, they are providing much-needed help and support. By coming together to protect the lake, local communities are having a major impact in the efforts to protect Lake Michigan and its ecosystems.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
Restoration and rehabilitation efforts in and around the lake have been intensive and efforts have been made to replenish the lake with freshwater and reduce groundwater mining. Several organizations have worked to restore the lake by planting vegetation, building barriers and dams, and the lake is now increasingly becoming more habitable to native species.
Lawsuits and Liability
With the growing awareness of the importance of Lake Michigan, a number of lawsuits have been brought forward in an effort to protect the lake and its ecosystem. The goal of these lawsuits is to hold governments, businesses, and individuals accountable for their actions and force them to comply with laws and regulations designed to protect the lake.
