Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, and its water usage is a critical aspect of managing the region’s water resources. This blog post will delve into the primary sources of water withdrawals from Lake Michigan, the impact of climate change on water levels, and the main uses of this vital resource.
Primary Sources of Water Withdrawals from Lake Michigan
The largest use of Lake Michigan water is for cooling power plants, accounting for 71% of total withdrawals. The second-largest use is for public water supply, making up 14% of total withdrawals.
| Water Use | Percentage of Total Withdrawals |
|---|---|
| Cooling Power Plants | 71% |
| Public Water Supply | 14% |
Impact of Climate Change on Water Levels in Lake Michigan
Water levels in Lake Michigan are primarily influenced by precipitation and evaporation, with human usage having a negligible effect. However, climate change is having a significant impact on these natural processes.
Precipitation and Evaporation
The water levels in Lake Michigan are directly tied to the balance between precipitation and evaporation. As the climate changes, these patterns are shifting, leading to fluctuations in water levels.
Groundwater Levels
Groundwater levels have been dropping in some parts of Michigan due to overuse, particularly in areas like Ottawa County where groundwater demands exceed sustainable supply. This can have a ripple effect on the overall water resources in the region.
Main Uses of Lake Michigan Water
Cooling of Power Plants
As mentioned earlier, the largest use of Lake Michigan water is for cooling power plants, accounting for 71% of total withdrawals.
Public Water Supply
The second-largest use of Lake Michigan water is for public water supply, making up 14% of total withdrawals.
Agriculture
Groundwater withdrawals for irrigation account for 23% of total groundwater use, with a high consumptive use of 88%.
Industry
Industrial uses account for 26% of groundwater withdrawals from the Lake Michigan basin.
Additional Details
Illinois Lake Michigan Water Allocation
The Illinois Lake Michigan Water Allocation Program manages the state’s diversion of water from Lake Michigan, with a limit of 3,200 cfs based on a 40-year running average.
Michigan Water Use Program
The Michigan Water Use Program registers large quantity withdrawals, collects annual water use data, and processes water withdrawal permits to manage water resources within the Great Lakes Basin.
Water Use Data
The Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database provides water use data for each of the Great Lakes Basin states and provinces, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of water usage trends.
Water Usage Trends
Water usage from the Great Lakes basin declined 3% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with the basin still gaining about 863 million gallons of water per day due to diversions into Lake Superior from the Hudson Bay watershed.