Is Lake Michigan Used for Drinking Water?

Yes, Lake Michigan is used as a source of drinking water. The lake provides water for millions of people in the surrounding regions, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The water from Lake Michigan is treated and distributed through various water treatment plants and distribution systems to ensure it is safe for consumption.

How Does Lake Michigan Water Become Drinking Water?

Is Lake Michigan Used for Drinking Water
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The process of treating Lake Michigan water for drinking involves several steps:

  1. Intake: Water is drawn from Lake Michigan through large intake pipes laying in trenches along the lake bottom offshore.
  2. Suction Wells: The water flows through the intake pipes into suction wells with mechanical screens to remove trash and debris.
  3. Low-Lift Pumps: Electric centrifugal pumps lift the water from the lake to a level where it can flow through the treatment plant.
  4. Flash Mix Basin: Chemicals such as chlorine, aluminum sulfate, polymer, and fluoride are added to the raw lake water to disinfect, remove suspended solids, and prevent tooth decay.
  5. Slow Mix Basin: The water flows to slow mix basins where the chemicals continue to mix with the water, and the floc (loose masses) forms to attract and bind impurities.
  6. Settling Basins: The water enters settling basins where the floc settles, carrying suspended matter, bacteria, and algae. Over 90% of suspended impurities are removed in this process.
  7. Filters: The water flows to rapid sand filters where the last traces of turbidity and bacteria are removed.
  8. Clear Wells and Underground Storage: The treated water is stored in clear well reservoirs and underground storage facilities.
  9. High Lift Pump: The pumps supply water pressure to the distribution system, which takes the water to city lines and into residences.
  10. Testing: Routine tests are conducted on-site and off-site to ensure the water meets health-based standards.
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Cost and Timings

Is Lake Michigan Used for Drinking Water

  • Cost: The cost of treating and distributing Lake Michigan water varies depending on the specific treatment plant and distribution system. However, it is generally considered a reliable and affordable source of drinking water.
  • Timings: The treatment process typically takes several hours, with the water flowing through the settling basins for four to eight hours to allow for the removal of suspended impurities.

Directory and Hours

  • Directory: The directory of water treatment plants and distribution systems varies depending on the location. For example, the Evanston Water Treatment Plant in Illinois serves approximately 400,000 residents in Evanston and surrounding areas.
  • Hours: The hours of operation for water treatment plants and distribution systems are typically 24/7 to ensure a continuous supply of drinking water.

Rates and Value

  • Rates: The rates for drinking water from Lake Michigan vary depending on the location and the specific water treatment plant and distribution system. However, it is generally considered a reliable and affordable source of drinking water.
  • Value: The value of Lake Michigan as a source of drinking water is significant, providing a reliable and affordable supply of water for millions of people.

Reference Links

  1. https://www.reddit.com/r/Michigan/comments/o874r5/did_it_used_to_be_possible_to_drink_the_great/
  2. https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/monitoring/lake-michigan.html
  3. https://www.in.gov/idem/lakemichigan/about-lake-michigan/
  4. http://stateofgreatlakes.net/indicators/drinking-water/
  5. https://evanstonroundtable.com/2024/05/14/how-does-lake-michigan-water-become-evanstons-drinking-water/

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