The document discusses the issue of water diversions from the Great Lakes and the political debates around protecting this freshwater resource. It notes that while some diversions currently exist totaling over 2 billion gallons per day, the net flow into the lakes is still positive. The Great Lakes Compact aims to prohibit new diversions outside the basin but is still awaiting full ratification. Overall the text examines the environmental, economic, and political factors influencing management of Great Lakes water.