Great Lakes Article:

Editorial: Accord is great for Great Lakes
The News-Herald (OH)
Published November 29, 2005

Northeast Ohio rests next to one of the most precious resources in the world: Fresh water. So when officials from eight states, including Ohio, and two Canadian provinces reached agreement aimed at preventing outsiders from raiding Great Lake water, it likely went largely unnoticed.
The pact was motivated by fears that states in the southwest U.S., with larger populations, but with arid climates, will try tapping into the lakes. The Great Lakes hold 90 percent of the nation's fresh water.

To underscore the importance of fresh water, some West Coast cities are debating the merits of recycling toilet water for drinking water.
That should help area residents understand the importance of Lake Erie, a key resource for recreation, commerce and drinking water in this region.

Governors and premiers are expected to sign the agreement Dec. 13. State legislatures and Congress will be asked to approve the agreement and establish a binding compact.

Lawmakers in both nations should not hesitate to confirm the accord.