Public Speaks Out on Waukesha’s Proposal to Tap into Lake Michigan

Public speaks out on Waukesha's proposal to tap into Lake Michigan - WUWM, August 18 2015
Reporter: Susan Bence

Opinions dramatically conflicted, yet the first public hearing coordinated by the Wisconsin DNR ran smoothly and with civility at the jam-packed Carroll University.

Two more sessions will take place today: 1 pm in Milwaukee at the Zilber School of Public Health and at 5:30 pm in Racine at the downtown Masonic Center.

Monday evening, people shared their views on whether Waukesha should be allowed to divert Lake Michigan water.

The City says the lake is the only reasonable alternative to its radium-tainted aquifer system.

People started gathering well before the hearing.

A collection of environmental groups, called the Compact Implementation Coalition, held an indoor “tailgate party” of sorts to encourage people to come out for the hearing – and speak against Waukesha’s proposal.

The coalition’s key point is its belief that if the City of Waukesha sticks to its existing service area – and uses the latest technology – it would have ample safe water for its residents.

Read the complete article and listen to the report here.