Great Lakes Compact

The Great Lakes hold 90% of North America’s fresh surface water. But this water supply is not unlimited. It can be depleted if we don’t take care to keep Great Lakes water in the lakes.

Visit our campaign page to learn about the Great Lakes Compact and how it protects Great Lakes water. Read about Compact news and history below.

Press Release

October 9, 2023

Waukesha’s Diversion of Lake Michigan Water Highlights the Importance of the Great Lakes Compact

Chicago, IL (October 9, 2023) – The City of Waukesha, Wisconsin began supplying Lake Michigan water to its residents today. This is the first diversion of Great Lakes water to […]

50th Anniversary

October 4, 2020

The Great Lakes Compact and Climate Change

An epic decade-long effort to keep Great Lakes water in the basin provides inspiration, and crucial protection, as we face an even larger challenge: climate change. For our 50th anniversary, […]

Press Release

June 21, 2016

States Approve Request to Divert Great Lakes Water

(Chicago) June 21, 2016 – This afternoon the eight Great Lakes states voted to approve Waukesha, Wisconsin’s diversion request. We believe that the conditions adopted by the Compact Council improved […]

Testimony

February 18, 2016

Testimony of Molly M. Flanagan on Waukesha, Wisconsin Water Diversion Proposal

Good afternoon. My name is Molly Flanagan. I’m Vice President of Policy at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The Alliance has been protecting the Great Lakes for more than […]