Can Great Lakes water be diverted?

Can Great Lakes water be diverted?

Yes, Great Lakes water can be diverted, but it is carefully regulated and strictly controlled to prevent excessive withdrawals. The Great Lakes, which consist of five interconnected freshwater bodies, are the largest surface freshwater system on Earth, containing about 84% of North America’s surface freshwater supply. The lakes, namely Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, form a natural boundary between the United States and Canada. Due to their immense ecological importance and the significance of their water resources, strict regulations are in place to preserve and protect the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Compact, enacted in 2008 by the eight states and two Canadian provinces that surround the lakes, prohibits water diversions outside of the Great Lakes Basin unless certain criteria are met. The compact sets limits on the amount of water that can be withdrawn and requires diversion proposals to undergo a thorough review process to ensure they will not cause significant harm to the lakes’ ecosystems or the communities that rely on them. Each diversion request is evaluated based on environmental, social, and economic factors, and a comprehensive analysis is conducted to assess the potential impacts before any approval is granted.

FAQs about Great Lakes water diversion

1. What is the purpose of regulating water diversions from the Great Lakes?

The purpose of regulating water diversions is to prevent excessive withdrawals that could negatively impact the Great Lakes’ ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. It ensures the sustainable management and preservation of this valuable freshwater resource.

2. Are there any exceptions to the ban on water diversions outside the Great Lakes Basin?

Yes, there are limited exceptions to the ban. The Great Lakes Compact allows for certain uses, such as public water supply and limited agricultural purposes, outside of the basin if stringent criteria are met and approval is obtained from the compact’s governing bodies.

3. How much water can be withdrawn from the Great Lakes under the regulations?

The regulations set a limit on the amount of water that can be withdrawn from the Great Lakes. Currently, the limit is set to 0.5% of the average annual water levels for each lake or a maximum of 1 million gallons per day, whichever is greater.

4. What is the process for obtaining approval for a water diversion outside the Great Lakes Basin?

Any water diversion proposal outside the Great Lakes Basin undergoes a comprehensive review process. The proposal must demonstrate that it meets certain criteria, including showing that it won’t cause significant harm to the lakes and providing a public benefit. The proposal is evaluated by the compact’s governing bodies and undergoes public input and environmental impact assessments before a final decision is made.

5. What happens if a proposed water diversion is deemed to cause harm to the Great Lakes?

If a proposed water diversion is found to cause significant harm to the Great Lakes, it will not be approved. The regulations prioritize the protection and preservation of the lakes’ ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

6. Can water diversions within the Great Lakes Basin also be regulated?

Yes, water diversions within the Great Lakes Basin are also subject to regulation. Each state and province has its own laws and regulations governing intra-basin diversions, and the Great Lakes Compact provides a framework for uniform standards and cooperation among the jurisdictions.

7. What are the potential consequences of unregulated and excessive water diversions from the Great Lakes?

Unregulated and excessive water diversions from the Great Lakes could have severe consequences. They could disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, endanger native species, deplete water levels, and negatively impact the economy and quality of life in the surrounding communities.

8. How do the regulations benefit the communities within the Great Lakes Basin?

The regulations ensure that the water resources of the Great Lakes are available for sustainable use within the basin, providing a reliable and abundant source of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation. This benefits the communities by ensuring a secure water supply and supporting their economic development.

9. Are there any ongoing challenges in the regulation of water diversions from the Great Lakes?

Yes, there are ongoing challenges in the regulation of water diversions. One of the main challenges is balancing the competing interests and demands for water from various stakeholders, including neighboring states, provinces, and tribal communities. Additionally, climate change and potential future water scarcity may put additional pressure on the regulation and management of Great Lakes water resources.

10. How does the regulation of Great Lakes water diversions compare to other large freshwater systems around the world?

The regulation of Great Lakes water diversions is considered one of the most stringent and comprehensive systems in the world. The Great Lakes Compact, with its strict criteria and review process, sets a high standard for the management and protection of freshwater resources, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

11. Are there any ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulations and protections for the Great Lakes?

Yes, there are ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulations and protections for the Great Lakes. The compact’s governing bodies continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of the regulations, and amendments may be made as necessary to address emerging issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of the lakes.

12. How can individuals contribute to the preservation and protection of the Great Lakes?

Individuals can contribute to the preservation and protection of the Great Lakes by practicing water conservation, supporting organizations and initiatives dedicated to the lakes’ health, participating in community clean-up efforts, and advocating for responsible water use and management policies at the local, state, and national levels.

By implementing regulations and strict controls on water diversions, the Great Lakes region ensures the long-term sustainability and protection of this valuable freshwater resource. These measures help preserve the ecological balance of the lakes and support the communities that depend on them for their economic, social, and environmental well-being.