Lake St. Clair is often referred to as the Heart of the Great Lakes for its distinctive shape and location in the center of the Great Lakes. The Lake is a vital link in the Great Lakes system, a priceless and irreplaceable natural resource.  It is an essential component in both the economic health and human health of the region, providing drinking water to 4.5 million people.  The Lake’s watershed is a part of two countries, one First Nation, one state, one Canadian province and several counties.

The Lake plays a central role in the lives of residents of the area and those within the larger Great Lakes system, with uses including fishing, recreational activities, and commercial navigation.  It is the source of drinking water for millions of citizens in southeastern Michigan and southwestern Ontario.

Lake St. Clair is located on the border between southeastern Michigan and southern Ontario, Canada.  It is 26 miles (42 kilometers) long, averaging 10 feet deep and has an area of 430 square miles (1,110 square kilometers).  Lake St. Clair is connected with Lake Huron to the north by the Saint Clair River and with Lake Erie to the south by the Detroit River.