Lake Michigan looked pretty good when I drove around it last year. In fact, the water looked much cleaner than I remember from the 1960's. I've heard of recent years when the water has been very low, and it sounds like the Lakes look like cesspools then.
I hate the thought of seeing Great Lakes water diverted, but I suppose there are ways to use some water without causing serious ecological damage.
The Lakes certainly are lovely. I've driven around Erie, Huron, and Michigan. Some day, I'll drive around Lake Ontario and Lake Superior. Driving around one of the Great Lakes is one of the most wonderful vacations I can think of.

That, and Versailles. Two weeks ago, I was in Paris. Now I'm smothered in smoke in Northern California.

But that's off-topic. Go visit the Great Lakes. Check out their lighthouses - I think Michigan has more than Maine.

-Joe-