The binational, multi-state Great Lakes Compact prohibits the transfer of water from the Great Lakes for purposes outside the watershed. Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee, WI, has requested water from Lake Michigan, the first test of whether the Compact will fulfill its goals.
When over 800 Minnesotans gather in a windowless basement on the first beautiful spring-like day, there must be a compelling reason. In this case the reason was water.
In spring 2015, the Pollution Control Agency released a report stating that half or fewer of the lakes in Minnesota watersheds dominated by agricultural and urban land fully support the standard for safe swimming, among other things. Residents of the Land of 10,000 [Beloved] Lakes were alarmed and asked for change.