The purpose and effect of the proposed rule amendment will be to revise the established minimum surface water levels for Apshawa Lake South in Lake County and to repeal the minimum surface water levels for Apshawa Lake North in Lake County. These minimum water levels, if adopted by rule, will represent the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources of the area or ecology of the area. The amended minimum water levels for Apshawa Lake South will be less constraining on existing and future consumptive uses of water than the existing levels. Since wetland elevations are lower at Apshawa Lake North, those environmental resources would be adequately protected by the amended minimum water levels at Apshawa Lake South. Thus, repealing the minimum water levels for Apshawa Lake North will simplify future status assessment efforts without compromising the level of environmental protection that is currently provided.