As a UK-er I don't realy have an axe to grind here - Although I have flown over the lakes and seen Lake M on trips to Chicago. I feel that the lakes should definitely be left alone. It's got nothing to do with where water is needed. It's all big business and money. The surface of the world is 80% water. Water is the one true recyclable resource we have. It never disappears - It just changes and moves. If the businesses in other parts want water let them pay for it. De-salinate seawater if needed. As someone mentioned earlier - There are huge floods along the Mississippi every year - Treat that water and use that instead. They won't though. It's easier and cheaper to use the water from the lakes so they will ruin that area before they spend an extra few pennies. It's sick but the governments of the world (ours included) are in the pockets of the money men. IMO.

Dave.