Even though Michigan has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world, they still face one major problem: pollution. Some of our lakes are polluted with chemicals, plastic, and lots of other trash.

Some of Michigan's lakes are so bad that they're considered some of the worst in the United States. It's a bit disheartening for those living in the Great Lakes region.

AZ Animals conducted a study highlighting the most polluted lakes in the United States. Unfortunately, two Michigan lakes were included on the list.

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Lake Michigan, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, ranks as the fourth most polluted lake in the United States.

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Lake Erie which is primarily fed by the Detroit River is the 3rd most polluted lake in the United States.

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AZ Animals: 

Humans discharge approximately 80% of the world’s wastewater back into the environment, largely untreated, polluting rivers, lakes, and seas. Our health is at risk by the pervasive problem of water pollution. Each year, unsafe water kills more people than all other forms of violence combined.

 

Top Five Most Polluted Lakes in the United States

1. Onondaga Lake, New York
2. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
3. Lake Erie, (Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York)
4. Lake Michigan, (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana)
5. Oneida Lake, New York

One thing we're a little confused about with this research is the area of Lake Michigan that is considered polluted. While AZ Animals listed it as one of the most polluted, they also listed it as one of the cleanest lakes in a separate study. We're just going to assume that the Michigan side is the cleanest and the Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana sides are the most polluted. Seems most logical, right?

Check Out the 20 Largest Inland Lakes in Michigan

Michigan boasts over 11,000 lakes throughout the state. Check out the 20 largest lakes in Michigan here. 

Strange Creatures of the Great Lakes

Gallery Credit: Wikipedia

See 50+ Examples of Michigan Lakes That Share the Same Name

Michigan has 19 Long Lakes, 10 Indian Lakes, 8 Silver Lakes, and so many more. See 50+ examples right here. See all the lakes and what county they are in below.

Gallery Credit: Photo: Joel Gaff via Unsplash