DNR Says Waukesha Water Seller Must Supply Additional Municipalities

The DNR seems to have made up its mind on a key portion of Waukesha's Lake Michigan diversion application - - the breadth of an expanded water service territory - - before it has finished reviewing the application, released an Environmental Impact Statement, held hearings, taken input and decided whether to send the application on to seven other states and two Canadian provinces for their reviews.

I can't see how this process [Sic], helps Waukesha with the other states - - all of which must sign off on the application before a diversion could be begin - - as none of the other municipalities Waukesha added to its diversion application have sought Lake Michigan water or meet other eligibility criteria.

Water can only be diverted outside the Great Lakes basin in a limited number of circumstances under the terms of a multi-state Compact Wisconsin approved in 2008 where water need is proven and all other reasonable options are unavailable.