The Great Lakes 5-Year Study....

Today, at some time-or perhaps already accomplished--the U.S. Geological Survey is releasing it's report on the status of the Great Lakes.
According to an AP Environmental writer--John Flesher--it is stated that ..."The lakes themselves have 6 quadrillion gallons--enough to spread a foot-deep layer across North America, South America & Africa.".."The groundwater level surpasses that of Lake Huron.

In the Chicago-Milwaukee metro areas, the groundwater levels have dropped about 1,ooo feet. This is due to pumping for municipal supplies [Chicago]
In Milwaukee's Waukesha area the local wells have been contaminated with radium, thus permission is being sought to tap into Lake Michigan.
Chicago has diverted 2.1 B gallons  a Day has been shown to have lowered the levels of Lakes Michigan & Huron by 2.5 inches.

These two areas seem to be the only ones called by Name & areas; there is one statement that stands out to the reader;  "With a few notable exceptions, urban and suburban development also "has not put a serious dent in supplies.", "although surface water diversions and groundwater pumping have affected some flow patterns over large areas. " 

The article continues with the replenishment of Lake waters by stating that 1% of the waters [Lakes] comes from run-off & precipitation, and though great amounts are removed [from the lakes] for agricultural, industry, drinking & other uses--the overall supply is so huge that withdrawals have had little effect on the Great Lakes system.

Those states that border the Great Lakes do live in water-rich areas.  This author does quote Mike Smith- a policy analyst with the National Wildlife Federation's regional office in Ann Arbor, MI as stating " ...it is easy for folks to look at this vast resource and think there's no way we can deplete it, we don't have to worry about conservation. that would be a terrible mistake."
Local officials are strongly advised to become familiar with data about supplies close to home  & use if [this study] to guide long range planning for development & water use.  [this is from Howard W. Reeves--lead author of report]  

The methods used in this study of the Great Lakes-water resources--will be adapted to a study of or analysis of Colorado, Delaware & Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River basins. 
These studies will take place over time [the Great Lakes study was a 5-year study],

To ask any of us  this year if the melt, run-off or precipitation results of recent snow falls will or will not raise the waters of the Great Lakes, I suspect that few of us would say 'only abut 1% rise'.  that is being facetious of course, but with all the snow around each & every one of the Great Lakes, the spring thaw has to go somewhere and the lakes, rivers & water-paths seem to be the obvious place.
What I find interesting in this report of [Remember this is an article pre-release of report] the status of the Great Lakes is that the water is there & has not been adversely affected by the 'climate changes' over the length of the 5-year study.
Just a thought.
Just a 'let the EPA and their minions take a Big step back' statement.
Just a time to high lite some approaches of similar groups concerning species-saving, dredging & coast line erosion [some of it being natural in origin]

The ballast dumping of invasive species into our fresh-water bodies is of great concern by all; however, the EPA requirements are not ones suggested by the Coast Guard and are more costly [thus not being followed].
Shipping of goods to and from the U.S. is vital to our well being; one governmental group [EPA] should be held to the strictest level of proof, transparency and explanation.
Just who will question the government?  

There will be many reviews of this report & certainly numerous statements of agreement, skepticism & disagreement.
It is something to watch and follow. 
It is also something to discuss & dissect.

I for one am waiting to actually read the report IF it is printed for consumption by the public.  Will I change where my position is as of today--possible,, always possible-Probable ? that is the question. [Perhaps  if key words or notations were left out of the pre-release today. ]

Whether I will find myself on the same position-side as the EPA is unlikely at best. 
And, when the Water-walkers [as I call them] come around our neighborhood this spring & summer my question to them is as usual--'what are you personally doing to see that the local water-ways are kept clean enough to flow easily to our Great Lakes, thus allowing the run-off to actually reach the Lakes.
Most often they cannot answer that in any personal manner except to state-ask "Are you against Clean water?"

This year I may answer "unequivocally YES".