A Finite Resource: Managing the Growing Water Needs of Data Centers, Critical Minerals Mining, and Agriculture in the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes are a finite resource, with only 1% replenished annually. Groundwater plays a crucial role, supplying 20% to 40% of the water budget and serving as a drinking source for many residents. Increased demand from data centers, critical minerals mining, and agriculture, coupled with climate change affecting precipitation patterns, poses significant challenges for water management. The Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact aims to regulate water use and prevent diversions, but rising local demands complicate resource management efforts.