Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States.

For the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois, Lake Michigan plays important role for economy through shipping and manufacturing. Also Lake Michigan provides enjoyment for the daily life through waterfront parks, fishing, boating, swimming, and breathtaking scenery.

But, these days, Lake Michigan's water quality is in great danger because of shoreline development, toxic pollution, invasive species, sewage overflows and unrestricted water withdrawals.

Lake Michigan used to be the home to lake trout, yellow perch, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bowfin and some catfish. Warning is given by the scientists that the lakes are on the verge of ecological disaster. Because of the toxic pollution and sewage overflows, Bacteria have caused more than 500days of Illinois beach closings each year since 2005.

I often go swimming on Lake Michigan; however, in recent couple of years, there have been warning signs and closings everywhere, which stops me from going in.

Many environmental protection groups are pleading and initiating many projects to save Lake Michigan. The most important one is restoring the Clean Water Act which protects the sorce waters for rivers, lakes and streams across the United States.

Hopefully, in the near future, I will swim in the Lake Michigan without any fear of getting affected by polluted water.