by Lalitha Subbaraman

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

America's Great Lakes are source of the largest fresh water supply. Great Lakes support wilderness area , agricultural lands and marine species also. The water supply from the Great Lakes is becoming less due to decreasing lake-effect snow . The toxic pollution and air-borne pollution is also a concern for the Great Lakes. Estimated 180 species of marine fisheries are unique to Great Lakes like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Lake Herring. Wilderness life around the Great Lakes basin include various species like black bears , beaver and bobcat .

The great lake region's glacial history and the Great Lakes themselves create one of a kind Eco-system which support huge bio-diversity.By 2100, the lakes depth may go down by 6- 8 feet without any positive changes to prevent additional future pollution. The various factors like global warming , acid rain , recreational boating play a role . in changing the quality of water in the Great lakes. The water level is going down in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron .

The chemical pollutant organochlorines is a factor in the pollution of Lake Erie. since 1970s this particular pollutant level has gone down . But this can accumulate in the fishes of this lake. The quality of water affects the marine life and food .Our current president is committed to provide funds for cleaning up the Great lakes.

The grass-root level politics can play a role in cleaning up the Great lakes in each region . Individually picking up plastic bags and cans after every boating trips is a good idea. If we prevent chemical pollutants like paints and pesticides and fertilizers from entering the lakes , we can improve the quality of water in the Great lakes. Tthere is no easy, instant solution to make the pollution vanish. It's a long, hard road. But it is worth the effort.

Lake Superior is is one of the Great Lakes . Information regarding the quality of water in this lake can be obtained from local government. It is also vital to commercial traffic like ships and barges . Lake superior is a natural treasure which needs to be protected with EPA regulations and efforts by people as well. By regulating and implementing clean water measures and preventing future pollution Lake Superior can be a ecological natural treasure for centuries to come.

Air -borne pollution is also a problem. It can be due to different factors like industrial smoke-stacks , emission by automobiles . By dealing with the underlying problems not only our great lakes can be saved but also the quality of people's lives can be improved .

There is one life to live indeed.

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