Two Michigan Lakes Rank Among America’s Most Polluted

Michigan is known for many things and the Great Lakes are one of them.

Even though we have some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, they're still facing one major issue...pollution. Some of our lakes are being heavily polluted with chemicals, plastic, and tons of other garbage.

According to AZ Animals, humans discharge roughly 80% of the world’s wastewater back into the environment. Most of that water is untreated and ends up in our rivers, lakes, and seas.

Get our free mobile app

Last year, AZ Animals posted a study showing the 10 most polluted lakes in the United States. As heartbreaking as it may be, there were two Michigan lakes that made the list.

Lake Michigan (#4)

Lake Michigan is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume.

Lake Erie (#3)

Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes by surface area.

Here's a look at all 10 lakes that are considered the most polluted in the United States:

10. Utah Lake, Utah
9. Lake Kinkaid, Illinois
8. Grand Lake St. Mary's, Ohio
7. Lake Lanier, Georgia
6. Lake Washington, Washington
5. Oneida Lake, New York
4. Lake Michigan, (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana)
3. Lake Erie, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York)
2. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
1. Onondaga Lake, New York

I made sure to include other states that border Lake Michigan and Lake Erie as well. Hey, Michigan isn't the only one contributing to the pollution problems that our lakes face.

See Also: What is the Deepest Lake in Michigan and How Deep is it?

The idea that two of our five Great Lakes are among the most polluted in the country is kind of depressing. Hopefully, more restrictions and laws will be put in place to combat these awful issues.