Lower water levels for lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior

Image: Low water levels on Lake Michigan at Old Mission Point in 2000 (Credit: NOAA)

Low water levels in three of the five Great Lakes are hindering shipping, fishing and recreation for those living in the regions that surround them, according to Medill Reports Chicago. Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior have dealt with lowering levels over the past 14 years.

The stretch of low water levels marks the longest period that the three lakes have been below their average historic levels since 1918, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts the three lakes will have below-average levels for at least the next six months, noting it would take a full two years of wet weather to bring the lakes back to their average levels.

Scientists at NOAA say the Great Lakes have been experiencing less precipitation and increased evaporation over the 14-year period. While those changes could be related to higher temperatures globally, scientists can’t say there is a causal link because evaporation is a complex process influenced by many factors and lake levels are tied very closely to precipitation.

Image: Low water levels on Lake Michigan at Old Mission Point in 2000 (Credit: NOAA)