Resolution: Protecting Drinking Water Security in the Great Lakes Basin
Adopted on May 04, 2004

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Whereas, the surface and groundwater resources of the Great Lakes basin are the source of drinking water for approximately 40 million people; and

Whereas, events in recent years have highlighted the need to ensure that domestic infrastructure critical to human health and well being is secure; and

Whereas, policies and programs at the national, regional and local level have increasingly focused on protecting critical water supply and treatment infrastructure; and

Whereas, the protection of public water drinking supplies has been identified as a key priority in domestic security strategies; and

Whereas, planning and preparedness for homeland security also benefit overall environmental protection and economic well being; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission is on record in support of equitable attention to the Great Lakes region through federal homeland security initiatives such as port security; and

Whereas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is forming a national Water Security Working Group through its National Drinking Water Advisory Council; and

Whereas, Article I of the Great Lakes Basin Compact mandates a specific role for the Great Lakes Commission in the protection of the basin's water resources and supply.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will support and assist efforts to integrate homeland security policies, procedures and resources in pursuing regional environmental protection and economic sustainable goals; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission requests that the representation from the Great Lakes Commission, member states and appropriate water utility/industry associations be provided for on U.S. EPA's Water Security Working Group and other national bodies and forums addressing the security of public drinking water supplies and associated water resources infrastructure; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will work in partnership with relevant federal, state/provincial and local agencies, utilities and other stakeholders to advance policies and programs to protect drinking water supplies and safeguard water resources infrastructure in the Great Lakes Basin.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its 2004 Semiannual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, May 04, 2004.