Project Overview

The Great Lakes are the world's single largest source of fresh surface water. Although seemingly abundant, fresh water is still relatively limited in quantity and is highly vulnerable to contamination. State and federal policymakers historically have not developed adequate conservation strategies to ensure that the best management practices are in place to effectively shield the Great Lakes from significant degradation. The protection and restoration of the Great Lakes system is instrumental to the region's economy, environment and overall quality of life.

Since 2001, the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG) has worked to develop a framework of binding agreements among the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces for managing the Great Lakes resource. The culmination of this effort is the new Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. The agreement details how states and provinces will manage and protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin, including:

• Ban new diversions of water from the Basin; limited exceptions could be allowed, such as for public water supply purposes, but would be strictly regulated.
• Enforce a consistent standard to review proposed uses of Great Lakes water.
• Collect and share technical data on the use of Great Lakes water, and promote the sharing of information among Great Lakes states and provinces.
• Develop regional goals for water conservation and efficiency and promote water conservation and efficiency programs in the states and provinces.
• Promote lasting economic development balanced with sustainable water use.
• Recognize the Great Lakes basin as a shared public treasure and commit to continued public involvement in the implementation of policies.

2007 State Legislative Activity

Updated: March 7, 2007

Resources & Links

CGLG State-by-State Status Chart

Council of Great Lakes Governors