Urine sitting stagnant in toilet bowls. Showers shutting off mid-lather. Sinks remaining dry while you stand with a mouth full of toothpaste.
Living in Chicago, these are instances we rarely, if ever, have to face.
And thanks to that big body of water where we sunbathe lakeside during the summer months or harbor our boats during the off-season, we likely never will.
Many thanks, Lake Michigan.
Despite climate changes and desertification throughout the country and world, our proximity to one of nature’s greatest natural resources – a Great Lakes – is essentially saving our lives of leisurely water abundance.
Not only is Lake Michigan's proximity convenient, but a compact ratified in 2008 prohibits the diversion of water from any of the Great Lakes unless the lake's eight bordering states and Canadian provinces Ontario and Quebec agree to the transfer.
Unfortunately, the American West doesn't have the same level of comfort as us Chicagoans. Water deprivatoin is a sure and steadily-approaching reality for the western parts of our country.
Like flushing your toilet after you've used it? Like rinsing your body of suds or your mouth of toothpaste? Then embrace the lucky gift of Lake Michigan with respect. Keep our waters clean and keep our futures bright.
