New Berlin closer to getting Lake Michigan water

Source: Front page of the Real Estate Section, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 1 March 2009

Lake Michigan water may start flowing across the subcontinental divide in New Berlin by July, the first such diversion since the Great Lakes compact was approved. New Berlin recently sent its one-time $1.5 million payment for the water to the City of Milwaukee, even though the western suburb is still waiting for the state Department of Natuaral Resources to approve the diversion. New Berlin officials had hoped to switch all remaining property owners on municipal ground water wells to lake water by the end of 2008, but they had to wait for the compact to be approved and navigate new procedures. DNR approval seems likely, barring any unforeseen objection that would be brought to the department’s attention during the 30-day public comment period under way on New Berlin’s request, city and state officials said.