Given the fact that 20% of the world's fresh water is within an hours drive of pretty much anywhere in the state where I live, it's definitely a big deal to me. Sadly, a lot of the debate these days has fallen down political party lines, so even if there is a valid point, people won't listen because it is too liberal. They want to run a new oil pipeline under lake Michigan and Huron. Seems like a horrible idea to me, but what do I know.
There's so many reasons why water management is done badly and so many ways also; sad that "progress" and greed are so important that the very planet (and resources) we need to survive suffer so badly. There'll be a reckoning I think.