This map of the nation’s groundwater uses data from gravity-sensing satellites.

The unique characteristics of the Great Lakes region may throw it a bit off.

That makes it harder to explain – and even more fascinating.

The state’s weak water conservation law was the elephant in the room never adequately addressed.

And yet it undermines what may be the Great Lakes community’s biggest accomplishment.

Drug take-back programs may be technically illegal in Michigan.

Proposed legislation establishes guidelines that would help dispose of drugs that can contaminate water, threaten wildlife and are difficult to treat.

Earthworms help soil retain moisture.

And their tunnels helps the roots of cover crops penetrate more deeply into soil.

That kind of action reduces the amount of water running off the land and carrying the nutrients that can nourish explosive algae growth in the Great Lakes.

Drought has obvious harsh negative impacts.

But there are a few winners. Among them are regional winemakers raising grapes that benefit from the low humidity.

Dropping water prompted some boaters to quit the season five weeks early.
That’s hurt Great Lakes marinas.
Some with plenty of water are isolated from customers who cannot reach them.

Apparently radishes and algae don’t mix.

Experts say this rooted vegetable captures excess phosphorus before it feeds algae plaguing lakes.

The holes they leave keeps water in place.

As apple growers statewide struggle to make up for losses, experts say the ramifications of one of the toughest crop years ever could continue to harm the industry. One worry: Will seasonal workers return to Michigan?

A study that examines links between harmful algal blooms and extreme weather could predict the threat they pose to the Great Lakes and elsewhere.

Volunteers recently collected trash from 243 Great Lakes beaches.

The most numerous piece of litter?

Cigarette butts.