Manipulating Great Lakes Water Levels: Possibilities and Challenges
The Great Lakes, a significant freshwater resource in the United States and Canada, are not only admired for their natural beauty but also serve as a vital link in the watersheds and ecosystems of North America. The interconnection between these lakes affects water quality, aquatic life, and even navigation. The question often arises: Can we lower the water levels in the Great Lakes, and if so, what are the implications?
Possibilities for Water Level Manipulation
While the Great Lakes are primarily known for their vast size and environmental importance, there are a few artificial features that can be used to manage water levels to some extent. The diversion of water from Lake Michigan through the Chicago canal, for example, enhances navigability on the Mississippi for barge traffic. However, as Steven Haddock points out, this practice must be carefully regulated to ensure it does not lead to a detrimental drop in overall Great Lakes water levels.
Water levels in Lake Ontario can be moderated by the Saunders Dam in Cornwall, which forms an artificial lake in the St. Lawrence River Valley. Similarly, the water levels in Lake Erie could be adjusted by allowing more water to flow through the Welland Canal and the Niagara Hydro Canal, which feed the generating station and even the famous Niagara Falls itself. Lake Superior, on the other hand, is partially dammed at one end to form the Soo Locks.
The Challenges of Water Level Manipulation
While these features offer some degree of water level control, the implementation of such measures is fraught with challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for disaster if too much water is directed to an area unprepared for it. For instance, during the high water levels in Lake Ontario in 2017 and 2019, water levels were kept higher to prevent flooding in Montreal, which was already coping with excess water from the Ottawa River. This decision aimed to prevent widespread flooding in that region, but it also highlights the need for careful planning and coordination.
The controlled flow of Niagara Falls is another critical consideration. If the falls were to run at their natural flow rate, many tourist installations at the foot of the falls and downstream could be at risk of being swept away. Therefore, maintaining a controlled flow is essential for both safety and economic reasons.
Even with advanced engineering and technical solutions, there are inherent limitations to these manipulations. A comprehensive study by the Army Corps of Engineers emphasizes that with significant effort, one might be able to lower the water level by a meter, but this would still be a modest change. The vast watershed of the Great Lakes, with its massive water inflow, means that large-scale changes are not feasible without causing greater ecological disruption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are certain artificial features that can be used to manage water levels in the Great Lakes, the challenges associated with such actions are significant. The delicate balance between human intervention and ecological sustainability must be carefully maintained to ensure the long-term health and well-being of these natural resources. As we continue to face environmental challenges driven by climate change, it is crucial that we proceed with caution and with a deep understanding of the complex interconnectedness of the Great Lakes ecosystem.