Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact
Introduction
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, commonly referred to as the Great Lakes Compact, is a legally binding agreement among the eight U.S. states that share the Great Lakes watershed. This compact aims to manage and protect the water resources of the Great Lakes Basin, which includes Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, as well as their connecting channels and tributaries. The compact was enacted to prevent large-scale water diversions and ensure sustainable water use within the basin.
Background and Development
The Great Lakes Basin is one of the largest freshwater systems in the world, holding approximately 20% of the world's fresh surface water. The basin is vital for its ecological diversity, economic significance, and the millions of people who rely on it for drinking water, industry, and recreation. Concerns about water scarcity and the potential for water diversion to arid regions in the United States prompted the need for a comprehensive management strategy.
The compact was developed in response to these concerns, following the 1985 Great Lakes Charter, a non-binding agreement among the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. The charter laid the groundwork for cooperative water management, but the need for a more enforceable agreement became apparent. Negotiations for the compact began in the late 1990s, culminating in its signing in 2005 and subsequent ratification by the U.S. Congress in 2008.
Legal Framework
The compact is a legally binding agreement under U.S. federal law, and it operates in conjunction with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement, which includes the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The compact establishes a framework for managing water withdrawals and diversions, with the primary goal of preventing significant adverse impacts on the basin's water resources.
Key Provisions
The compact includes several key provisions:
- **Prohibition of Diversions**: The compact generally prohibits new or increased diversions of water outside the Great Lakes Basin, with limited exceptions for communities that straddle the basin boundary or are located within counties that straddle the boundary.
- **Water Management and Conservation**: States are required to implement water management and conservation programs to ensure sustainable use of water resources. This includes promoting efficient use and minimizing waste.
- **Decision-Making Standard**: The compact establishes a decision-making standard for evaluating proposals for new or increased water withdrawals. Proposals must demonstrate that they will not harm the basin's water resources and that they incorporate conservation measures.
- **Regional Review**: Significant proposals for water withdrawals or diversions are subject to regional review by the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council, which consists of the governors of the eight member states.
Governance and Implementation
The governance structure of the compact involves multiple levels of oversight and coordination. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council, also known as the Compact Council, is the primary governing body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the compact. Each member state appoints a representative to the council, typically the governor or a designated official.
The council is tasked with reviewing and approving significant water withdrawal proposals, ensuring compliance with the compact's provisions, and facilitating cooperation among the member states. The council also works closely with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Regional Body, which includes representatives from the Canadian provinces, to coordinate efforts across the entire basin.
State Responsibilities
Each member state is responsible for implementing the compact's provisions within its jurisdiction. This includes developing and enforcing water management and conservation programs, monitoring water use, and reporting data to the council. States are also required to establish permitting systems for water withdrawals that exceed specified thresholds.
Environmental and Economic Impacts
The compact plays a crucial role in protecting the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin. By preventing large-scale diversions and promoting sustainable water use, the compact helps maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and preserves the basin's natural resources for future generations.
Economically, the compact ensures that water resources remain available for industries, agriculture, and communities within the basin. The Great Lakes region is a major economic hub, with industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism heavily reliant on water resources. The compact provides a framework for balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its strengths, the compact faces several challenges and criticisms. One of the primary concerns is the potential for legal disputes over water rights and the interpretation of the compact's provisions. The compact's prohibition on diversions has been tested in cases involving communities near the basin boundary, leading to debates over what constitutes a permissible exception.
Additionally, climate change poses a significant challenge to the compact's goals. Changes in precipitation patterns, temperature, and evaporation rates could impact water levels and availability in the Great Lakes Basin, complicating efforts to manage and conserve water resources.
Some critics argue that the compact's decision-making processes are overly complex and bureaucratic, potentially hindering timely responses to emerging water management issues. Others contend that the compact does not go far enough in addressing pollution and other environmental threats to the basin.
Future Directions
The future of the Great Lakes Compact will likely involve ongoing efforts to adapt to changing environmental conditions and address emerging challenges. This may include updating water management and conservation strategies to account for the impacts of climate change, as well as enhancing collaboration with Canadian partners to ensure a comprehensive approach to basin-wide water management.
Technological advancements in water monitoring and management could also play a role in improving the compact's effectiveness. Innovations in data collection, analysis, and modeling could provide more accurate and timely information to support decision-making and ensure the sustainable use of the basin's water resources.
Conclusion
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact represents a significant achievement in regional water management and cooperation. By establishing a framework for protecting and managing the water resources of the Great Lakes Basin, the compact helps ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital freshwater system. As the region faces new challenges and opportunities, the compact will continue to play a critical role in balancing environmental protection with economic development.