July 28, 2017
We are pleased that the GLSLCI (Cities Initiative) has chosen not to further appeal the approval by the Great Lakes Compact to allow Waukesha to use and return Lake Michigan water. We will continue to move forward toward providing a sustainable, reliable, and safe drinking water supply for the City of Waukesha. The Great Lakes Compact Council stated, “none of the evaluated alternatives were found to be reliable sources for a long-term, dependable, and sustainable public water supply and, therefore, the Applicant is without a reasonable water supply alternative” to using and returning Lake Michigan water. The Compact Council based its decision on science, the law and the years of research behind Waukesha’s application.
This is an appropriate day to once again recognize all the tremendous work by the Great Lakes governors and premiers in reviewing our application. They are dedicated to upholding the Great Lakes Compact and its protections of this tremendous natural resource. We also continue to be committed to the health of the Great Lakes and its tributaries and to being good stewards of this vital asset.
We are moving forward on permitting and then construction of the project, and anticipate using and returning Lake Michigan water by 2023.