Water levels in Lake Michigan are currently stable and high, but they’re expected to quickly decline in the coming months. Long-term forecasts indicate that Lake Michigan has already been in decline, and that situation is only expected to worsen. In fact, the lake has already hit record lows twice in the past decade, first in 2008-09 and again in 2012-13. The impact of these declines could be devastating, with major implications for local businesses, fisheries, and the economy.
The decline is likely the result of several different factors—including climate change, El Nino, Great Lake Connectivity and nutrient loading from urban runoff. The combination of these forces has led to decreased inflow from rivers and streams, as well as an increase in outflow through evaporation and other activities.
Climate change is playing an important role in the lake’s decline. Studies from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicate that Lake Michigan’s water levels are more than two feet (72 cm) lower than they were during the mid-20th century. This is due in part to changes in the timing and amount of precipitation, but also to a decrease in snow and ice cover.
El Nino also has an impact on lake levels. This phenomenon, which occurs every two to seven years, leads to a warmer, drier environment in the Great Lakes region and a decrease in snowpack and groundwater. In addition, increased temperatures have been linked to increased outflows that are reducing the lake’s water levels.
Great Lakes Connectivity is another factor that could lead to decreases in Lake Michigan’s water levels. The issue arises when water is diverted from the Great Lakes system to other lakes, rivers and streams. This can significantly reduce the amount of water in the Great Lakes, leading to sustained low levels.
Finally, Cuyahoga and other urban runoff can have a negative impact. This runoff can contain high levels of nutrients, which can lead to excessive aquatic plant and algal growth. This has the potential to increase water temperature and reduce dissolved oxygen levels—both of which can lead to lower water levels.
Though the issue at hand is serious, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of these declines. The most impactful action would be for states and local governments to pass regulations that limit Great Lakes Connectivity and monitor urban runoff. Additionally, its important to recognize the impact of individual behaviors, such as how much water we use, how we dispose of our trash, and how we manage our yards and gardens.
Impact to Local Businesses
The effects of Lake Michigan’s declining water levels extend far beyond the lakeshore. Local businesses that depend on the lake to attract tourists or provide services will feel the pinch. Hotels and restaurants, cruise line operators, and other businesses that rely on the lake for the majority of their income will suffer the most. Reduced lake levels make it more difficult to navigate, which reduces tourism and recreational opportunities.
Additionally, reduced lake levels could mean less fishing and hunting, which could lead to a decrease in economic activity. This can lead to job losses and higher costs for services related to hunting and fishing. In addition, decreased water levels will lead to an increase in sand bars, debris, and other obstacles, making it harder for commercial vessels to navigate the lake.
The declines could also hurt property values for waterfront locations, as well as reduce access to swimming and other recreational activities. In addition, if lake levels drop low enough, it could lead to increased concentrations of pollutants in the remaining water, leading to increased health risks.
The key to avoiding these negative impacts is to understand the conditions in the lake and how they’re changing. Additionally, it’s important to work with local stakeholders, including businesses and communities, to ensure that appropriate policies and regulations are in place to protect the lake and those who rely on it.
Future Prospects
It’s difficult to predict the future of Lake Michigan’s water levels, as they are affected by a wide variety of factors. However, some experts are anticipating that the lake will continue to decline over the coming years if current trends continue. This could have major implications, from reducing recreational and economic activities to increasing the strain on existing infrastructure.
Still, it’s important to remember that this is a complex issue and that there are a number of things that can be done to help mitigate the impact of these declines. By closely monitoring lake levels and working together with governments, businesses and communities, we can work to protect the lake and those who depend on it.
Technical Solutions
In addition to governance, policymaking, and awareness, there are also a number of technical solutions that can be utilized to address the Lake Michigan’s declining water levels. For example, artificial barriers have been built in some areas to reduce the flow of water out of the lake. Additionally, engineers have begun installing large pumps that can transfer water from other sources, such as rivers and streams, back into Lake Michigan.
These techniques are costly, but could be used in combination with other strategies to help slow the decline. For example, engineering systems could be used to capture and store water from rivers and streams during wet periods, which could then be released during dry periods to help reduce the impact of low water levels. Of course, this strategy would require careful management and monitoring to ensure that water isn’t being diverted from the region to the detriment of local businesses and residents.
Finally, another strategy that could be employed is the use of wetlands restoration. By restoring and protecting existing wetlands and adding new ones, researchers hope to increase the amount of water that’s available to the lake, increasing the amount of water that flows in during wet periods and reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation during dry periods.
Invasive Species
In addition to the abouve factors, Lake Michigan’s declining water levels could make it easier for invasive species to flourish in the lake. As the water levels drop, certain areas are left exposed, making them vulnerable to invasive species. For example, low lake levels could lead to increased growth of Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic plant native to Eurasia but now found in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie.
The presence of this and other invasive species can then lead to significant ecological disruptions. Invasive species can displace native species, destroying existing ecosystems and disrupting the balance of the lake. This can lead to further declines in water levels, leading to a vicious cycle.
The best way to avoid this is to be proactive. The USGS recommends that boaters take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives by cleaning off their boats and equipment before moving between different water bodies. This can help reduce the risk of introducing invasive species to a lake.
Additionally, states and local governments should work to stringent regulations to limit the spread of invasive species. This includes limiting the movement of boaters, implementing fishing and bait bans, and extending boat inspection programs.
Public Awareness
Finally, Lake Michigan’s declining water levels can be addressed through public awareness. The majority of people in the Great Lakes region are unaware of the issue, and what its implications are for the environment, local businesses, and residents. By raising awareness, one can make people more aware of the factors that are contributing to declining water levels and the impact it could have on the region.
This is also an opportunity to emphasize the need for conservation and sustainability. By encouraging individuals and businesses to take measures to reduce their water consumption, we can reduce the stress on the lake. Additionally, teaching people about the need to properly dispose of trash and chemicals and to limit their use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals can help reduce runoff that can lead to lower water levels.
Ultimately, Lake Michigan’s water levels are declining and it’s important to understand why and what can be done to address the issue. By taking a proactive approach, working together with local authorities, businesses and communities, and raising public awareness, we can help ensure the lake remains a sustainable resource for generations to come.
