Which body of water serves as the principal water source for municipalities in Michigan?

The Great Lakes serve as the principal water source for municipalities in Michigan due to their vast size and the interconnected nature of the lakes themselves. Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, providing a substantial supply of fresh water. Collectively, the Great Lakes account for approximately 20% of the world's fresh surface water, making them an essential resource for drinking water, agriculture, and industry within the state.

Specifically, cities and towns often draw from the Great Lakes to provide clean, potable water to their residents, ensuring access to this critical resource. The lakes not only offer water but also support a wide range of recreational and economic activities that contribute to the quality of life and economy in Michigan. Other bodies of water, while significant, do not compare in scale or utility to the Great Lakes when considering their role in municipal water supply across the state.