Great Lakes Water Quality & Levels

Water quality and the water levels in the Great Lakes has been a concern to many in cottage country for some time. Georgian Bay water levels were falling at a significant rate for a number or years, however in the last two years we have seen an unprecedented rise in the water levels. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States has led to a coordinated effort between the two countries and information is readily available for us to track the information being shared. Below is some information about the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and Weekly Great Lakes Water Level information shared through the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with the United States:

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) is an agreement between Canada and the United States, first signed in 1972.  It contributes to the quality of life of millions of Canadians by identifying shared priorities and coordinating actions to restore and protect the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes.

In amending the agreement in 2012, the Governments of Canada and the United States have committed to a shared vision of a healthy and prosperous Great Lakes region in which the waters of the Great Lakes, through their sound management, use, and enjoyment, provide benefits to present and future generations. To this end, Canada and the United States recognize the importance of taking action, resolving existing environmental issues and anticipating and preventing future problems.

Through the GLWQA, Canada and the United States, in consultation and cooperation with other levels of government, First Nations and Métis organizations, businesses, non-governmental entities, and the public will develop programs, technologies and other measures necessary to better understand the Great Lakes ecosystem, and to restore and protect water quality and ecosystem health.

Source:
Environment Canada
https://www.ec.gc.ca/grandslacs-greatlakes/default.asp?lang=En&n=45B79BF9-1 Retrieved January 10, 2015

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels:

The Great Lakes basin experienced normal temperatures last weekend. During the early part of the work week temperatures plunged across the area  as a blast of arctic air moved in with daytime highs as low as 25 degrees below normal. Temperatures are predicted to continue to be frigid through Saturday, and then climb towards normal by the middle of next week.
Above average snowfall is expected across much of the basin in the coming week with the heaviest amounts falling on the eastern shores of the Great Lakes. Lakes Michigan-Huron is 22 inches above their levels of a year ago. Lakes Michigan-Huron are predicted to fall 1 inch over the next 30 days. Lake Michigan-Huron’s outflow into the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair’s outflow into the Detroit River are projected to be above average in January.

Source:
US Army Corps of Engineers
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/GreatLakesInformation/GreatLakesWaterLevels/WaterLevelForecast/WeeklyGreatLakesWaterLevels.aspx
Retrieved January 9, 2015