Political Diversions: Annex 2001 and the Future of the Great Lakes
Andrew Nikiforuk
June 06, 2004
 
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Author Andrew Nikiforuk argues that to date the process to develop Annex 2001 has been driven by political concerns about getting water to thirsty communities such as Waukesha without inviting the world to a free water party. As such it has put the political cart before the ecological horse and probably confused needs with rights. In doing so this largely top-down exercise has tried to fix too many plumbing problems in the Basin with just one wrench. The Basin definitely needs one tool to limit withdrawals outside of the region (Annex 2001) but each and every jurisdiction needs to develop a comprehensive plan to deal with conservation within the Basin. The Annex 2001 process has identified Lake Superior-size data gaps on the state of the resource and the region's intense use of water. The paucity of good science on the Lakes strongly suggests that decision-makers in the Basin are not yet in the position to make wise decisions about any out-of-Basin withdrawals.

Given critical uncertainties about demand, climate change and restoration efforts, Nikiforuk argues that the common wealth of the Great Lakes simply cannot afford to turn on any more taps. But it can afford a limited number of withdrawals captured by demand-side management within the basin. The current waste of water by Great Lakes residents and industries must be regarded as an unexploited lake—the only true source of surplus water now within the Basin. Such an approach, combined with a well-coordinated restoration plan, could introduce some overdue water discipline to the Great Lakes household. It might also prepare the Lakes for unforeseen population migrations and hidden diverters such as climate change.

The citizens of the region now have some big choices to make, says Nikiforuk. They can satisfy the needs of their neighbours by sharing Great Lakes waters according to a host of standards governed by a regional agency (Annex 2001) captive to spiralling growth outside the Basin. Or they can change their habits and export their conservation practices (as opposed to water) to these same communities.