The Great Lakes Water Pact

The Great Lakes Water Pact, formally known as the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, is an agreement among eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces aimed at managing and protecting the water resources of the Great Lakes. It restricts the diversion of water from the Great Lakes basin, ensuring that the vast freshwater supply remains available for local use. The Pact emphasizes sustainable management, conservation, and collaboration among states and provinces, addressing environmental protection and economic interests while safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.