Great Lakes Water PDF
Limitations on Privatization and Diversions by James M. Olson

Governors approve ban on water diversion
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Representatives of eight states and two Canadian provinces formally approved an agreement Tuesday that would prevent outsiders such as the booming cities of the Southwest from raiding Great Lakes water. "The lakes represent a fresh water ecosystem that's unique on our planet supporting thousands of species, including human beings. These agreements will protect our Great Lakes from the threats of diversions outside this basin," said Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, the incoming chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors.

Lakes cleanup plan is unveiled
CHICAGO (AP) - A partnership of federal, state and local officials proposed a 15-year, $20 billion plan Monday for cleaning up the Great Lakes, the source of drinking water for 30 million people and a vital link in the nation's shipping network.

Report: Lakes' 'immune system' is weak
TRAVERSE CITY - As wetlands disappear and shorelines are degraded, the Great Lakes are losing their ability to cope with environmental stress and ward off a catastrophic breakdown, scientists said Thursday. "The immune system of the Great Lakes is weakened and it needs to be restored to prevent the ecological collapse of the lakes," said Andy Buchsbaum, director of the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes office.

National Geographic
The city of Chicago diverts over 2 BILLION gallons of water EVERY DAY from the Great Lakes basin into the Mississippi River basin. The water diverted out of the Great Lakes in one day from Chicago is equal to almost 10 years of bottling at the Ice Mountain plant in Stanwood, Michigan