MADISON, WI (AP)-- Wisconsin Representative Cory Mason is urging Great Lakes governors to reject a Milwaukee suburb's request to draw water from Lake Michigan, pointing to shortcomings in state enforcement.
A letter he sent Wednesday highlights a legislative audit released last week that found the Department of Natural Resources wasn't following its own policies for enforcement of water and pollution regulations.
Mason, a Racine Democrat, says in the letter that the DNR is "unwilling or unable to enforce many of Wisconsin's water laws" and Great Lakes representatives should therefore reject a proposal from Waukesha to tap Lake Michigan for drinking water.
The city is seeking a new source because of naturally occurring radium in its groundwater. The plan has gained preliminary approval and faces a final vote June 21.
