Two Bits About Water
1) Lake level to keep falling
Superior has dropped by 1 foot in the past year; near record seasonal low
Posted: Aug. 28, 2007, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Water officials from Canada and the U.S. said Tuesday that Lake Superior will
probably continue its downward spiral in coming weeks to record low levels for
late summer and fall, and they can do little about it.
This is a problem for more than just Lake Superior, because the water that
tumbles out of the grandest of the Great Lakes and down the St. Marys River
accounts for about 40% of the water supply for Lakes Michigan and Huron. Those
two lakes are already about 2 feet below their long-term average levels and
are within about 10 inches of their record low for late summer. Lakes Michigan
and Huron are actually one body of water connected at the Straits of Mackinac.
2) Editorial: Tougher action needed
Communities such as Oconomowoc are taking a positive step by banning
phosphorus to fertilize lawns. Better would be a statewide ban on the sale of
such fertilizers.
From the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Aug. 28, 2007
The Waukesha County cities of Oconomowoc, Delafield and Pewaukee are among
Wisconsin communities that, to their credit, have taken an important step to
make sure nearby lakes and streams remain healthy. By banning property owners
from using phosphorus to fertilize lawns (Oconomowoc's ban takes effect in
January), these communities and some counties that have joined them are
ensuring that phosphorus won't become a part of runoff pollution into area
waterways.