What is the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement?
The Agreement, first signed in 1972 and renewed in 1978, expresses the commitment of each country to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem and includes a number of objectives and guidelines to achieve these goals. It reaffirms the rights and obligation of Canada and the United States under the Boundary Waters Treaty and has become a major focus of Commission activity. In 1987, a Protocol was signed amending the 1978 Agreement. The amendments aim to strengthen the programs, practices and technology described in the 1978 Agreement and to increase accountability for their implementation. Timetables are set for implementation of specific programs. The Parties will meet biennially to discuss progress and report periodically to the Commission. New annexes address atmospheric deposition of toxic pollutants, contaminated sediments, groundwater, and nonpoint sources of pollution. Annexes are also added to incorporate the developm
