The Great Lakes are a finite resource, with less than 1% of the water renewed annually by rain and snowmelt. We need strong programs in place to ensure that our Great Lakes water is preserved for current and future generations!

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Compact, a historic piece of legislation to protect the Great Lakes from large scale water withdrawals, was passed by the legislators in all of the Great Lakes states and approved by Congress in 2008. The Compact ensures that the abundant water resources of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River stay here in our basin and are not diverted to other parts of the world.

Each state that has signed onto the Compact is now required to develop its own rules for implementing the Compact and for regulating water withdrawals in their portion of the Great Lakes basin.

Contact Your New York State Representatives in Albany Today!

The New York State Legislature is about to act on the Water Resources Protection Bill. When adopted, the bill will:

• Require large water users in New York, such as industrial facilities, to obtain a permit to withdraw large quantities of water.

• Establish a water conservation and efficiency program to preserve our freshwater.

• Establish streamflow standards that are protective of fish and other aquatic life.

A few talking points for your call:

• Tell the receptionist your name and city/town of residence

• I’m calling to urge you to support the Water Resources Protection Act (Bill number S.3798/A.5318-A), which is legislation that will implement the Great Lakes Compact in New York State and regulate large-scale water withdrawals.

• The legislation is an important step forward in protecting our region’s abundant fresh water resources that are so critical to our local economy and way of life.

Who to call:

Call the Assembly switchboard at 518-455-4100, and ask to be connected with your Assembly member’s office. Find your Assembly member

Call the Senate switchboard at 518-455-2800, and ask to be connected to your senator’s office. Find your Senator

Learn More

Thanks to our friends at Environmental Advocates of New York for two great fact sheets with more information about this issue!

The Great Lakes Compact: Protection for New York’s Precious Water Resources

Protect Our Waters: Manage New York’s Water Use Responsibly

Thank you for taking action to protect the St. Lawrence River!