Take Back the Lake (2009)

"Take Back the Lake" - one man's exploration of how water quality impacts a community on Lake Michigan. In the film, Mark Kuether, who returned from Florida to his home Wisconsin finds how disturbed the water quality has become. Experts and local residents talk about their experiences surrounding the water including beach use, drinking water, and recreation. Unique underwater footage is seen on how discolored and polluted Lake Michigan became after the June 2008 Midwest floods. Other discussion focuses on how controversial the Wisconsin DNR has become, paying too much attention to lobbyists in Madison, and operating as a bureaucracy instead of a true scientific agency. A notable milestone is Brian Backhaus and his decision to bicycle across the country to raise money for Silver Lake Park. A park which once sat along side the most polluted lake in the state of Wisconsin, particularly in terms of phosphorus. Local residents and experts agree that more action needs to be taken to ensure water quality remains a clean, stable resource for their children and theirs for generations to come. They also find it's the individual who needs to speak up and do something about the problem. While many quickly point out lack of ambition for the county board to get more involved on contamination problems of Lake Michigan, others are mindful of basic things all can do to raise awareness and help everyone understand the value of water quality and Lake Michigan.