WISCONSIN (CBS 58) – The Great Lakes Commission says the Great Lakes region needs to improve public water systems.

 The Commission wants to upgrade wastewater treatment plants, storm water pipes, and filtration systems.

They estimate it would cost $271 billion to upgrade the systems.

 One member says the recent water crisis in Flint is highlighting the need for clean water.

Billions of gallons of sewage and untreated storm water are released into the Great Lakes because of outdated systems.