One American Election Decided Over Great Lakes Water

Waukesha, Wis., elects new mayor
Milwaukee Public Radio (4/7)
Jeff Scrima has defeated incumbent mayor Larry Nelson. In recent weeks, much has been made about outgoing Nelson's push to buy Lake Michigan water, to replace the city's current water source which is contaminated with radium. Some voters had even said the race would come down to water.

Water worries continue around the Great Lakes as water or potential water shortages hit the news.


Waukesha council to decide on application for lake water
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (4/6)
If its city council approves the application, Waukesha, Wis., would be the first community to request a diversion of water out of the Great Lakes drainage basin under terms of a 2008 Great Lakes protection compact.

COMMENTARY: Water key to region's future
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (4/6)
Former House Speaker Tip O'Neil is credited with coining the phrase "All politics are local." As the city of Waukesha takes another step toward securing a sustainable water source to address its radium compliance problem, the saying couldn't be truer.


Low waters bring worries
Watertown Daily Times (4/6)
Water levels are well below average on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River and will likely remain low throughout the summer, threatening the region's pleasure boating season.