Over the last several years, Pennsylvania has developed a statewide plan to protect water resources from being drained by competing interests. The plan is voluntary and unfunded and critics say, moving along too slowly. But there are still some ripples of progress being made in the Lake Erie region.
Pennsylvania's water management plan was developed to make sure there's enough water for industry, agriculture, drinking water,
Droughts and floods are happening more frequently on this side of the Mississippi.
Compared to many other states, Pennsylvania is water-rich. But a lot of water is used here.
As part of the state's water plan, two creeks outside of Pittsburgh have been identified as Critical Water Planning Areas. But this final designation is just the beginning of balancing the competing interests for their valuable water.