DNR: Lake Michigan withdrawal shouldn't affect levels

MADISON -- The Department of Natural Resources says Waukesha's plan to pull water from Lake Michigan shouldn't affect lake levels, plants and sediment.

The city wants permission to pull up to 16.7 million gallons a day and return treated wastewater to the lake. The city currently relies on an aquifer but its levels have been dropping, compounding radium concentrations.

The DNR released a draft environmental impact statement on Thursday that found withdrawal with return flow shouldn't result in significant lake level changes. The plan calls for using existing treatment plant intakes no construction would disturb aquatic life or sediment.

The DNR also released a draft technical review Thursday that found the city has no alternative and can't meet its needs through conservation.

The agency has planned August hearings on the reports.