Exploring the Draft Report on Protecting Great Lakes Waters
The International Joint Commission (IJC) has released a draft report on the protection of the waters of the Great Lakes, which contain 20% of the accessible fresh water on the planet. Established by a 1909 treaty between the U.S. and Canada, the IJC aims to monitor how the two countries manage the Great Lakes and address any issues or threats that may arise.
The 50-page draft report, part of a second ten-year review, highlights key recommendations for better water management in the region. It emphasizes the importance of accurate data on diversions into and out of the Great Lakes basin, improved climate modeling for future impact assessments, and recognition of water rights for Indigenous nations.
Since the first ten-year review in 2015, the report notes that no new or increased diversions of Great Lakes water have been approved, except for three specific cases under the Great Lakes Compact. These exceptions were made for supplying water to cities in Wisconsin.
Public Engagement and Feedback
To engage with the public and gather feedback on the draft report, an upcoming webinar will be held on August 14 at noon to provide an overview of the preliminary findings. Interested individuals can register for the webinar here.
The IJC is inviting public comments on the draft report until August 31. Feedback can be submitted via email to PWGL@IJC.org or by mail to the Secretary, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission in Washington, D.C.
