The goal of this Technical Working Group (TWG) is to evaluate the effects of alternative regulation and supply scenarios on
municipal, industrial and domestic water interests. In general, municipal and industrial water intakes are not affected by
fluctuating water levels in the upper Great Lakes because most are located at depths well below the historical range of the
last century. However, low water levels could lead to concerns, including increased pumping costs and poor water quality,
while very low levels predicted by some climate models may render some intakes ineffective or completely inoperable. In
contrast, high water levels might flood water treatment facilities located on flood prone coastlines.
To accomplish its objective, this TWG is identifying water intakes vulnerable to extreme water level fluctuations. Of
particular importance, they will also compile current municipal, industrial and domestic uses and estimate future expected
water demand. Based on present use and projections, the TWG will assess the effects of the current regulation plan and
assist in identifying changes that might benefit water users throughout the basin.
| Canada | USA | ||
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Pat Inch Co-lead |
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Richard Bartz Co-lead USGS-Ohio Water Science Center 6480 Doubletree Avenue Columbus, OH 43229-1111 614.430.7742 Email: rsbartz@usgs.gov |