Justice
Who Can Drink the Great Lakes' Water?
A Wisconsin city's request could redefine who has access to the fresh water supply.
It's not just drought-affected Southern and Western states that are looking for ways to tap into new water supplies. Since 2010, the Midwestern city of Waukesha, Wisconsin—part of the Milwuakee metro area—has been angling for access to Lake Michigan's water reserves. And now, it's decision time.
The city, which is 17 miles West of Lake Michigan, argues that its own water supply is unsustainable. The original request, filed five years ago this month, outlined the city's dilemma: