Detroit is right next to Lake St. Clair and Detroit River. I know someone that had the bright idea of watering his garden by taking water directly from Lake St

Detroit is right next to Lake St. Clair and Detroit River. I know someone that had the bright idea of watering his garden by taking water directly from Lake St. Clair. He bought a large 3x3 foot plastic water container, put it on the back of his the truck. When he tried to fill it up, got stopped by the Police. What's the legality of taking water directly from the Lake? Living off the land, is not really an option if its illegal to take water. And outside of the mountain regions, very little public land. Not that you could take trees from public land either.