The Great Lakes contain one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, provide drinking water for more than 40 million people and support more than 350 species of fish, which attract millions in annual commercial and recreational fishing.

Because the Great Lakes are so vast, it’s tempting to think of them as indestructible. But despite their size and importance, the Great Lakes lack the protection they need.

This has changed. All eight Great Lakes states, including Wisconsin, have ratified the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, a binational water management agreement that will determine how Great Lakes water is used and shared by all Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. The U.S. Senate approved the Compact in August, the U.S. House approved it in September and the President signed the legislation October 3.

The Compact will help conserve water quantity and preserve water quality by ensuring long-term protection and management of Great Lakes water. It will also protect aquatic plants, animals and their habitats when water withdrawals occur. 

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Green Bay, Lake Michigan).