Great Lakes Ice Cover Hits Record Low, Threatening Summer Water Bills and Shipping Costs
If you’ve been enjoying a mild winter, get ready to pay for it. The Great Lakes are experiencing record-low ice cover this season—currently at just 2.7% compared to the historical average of 40% for this time of year. This means higher evaporation rates, which could lead to lower lake levels by summer. For consumers, that translates to higher water bills as municipalities spend more to pump water from deeper sources, and pricier groceries and gas as cargo ships carrying goods and fuel will be forced to carry lighter loads to avoid running aground, driving up freight costs. Your wallet is about to take a direct hit from this winter warmth.