Great Lakes
Water Diversions
Water diversions are prohibited, with three exceptions:
- Communities that straddle the basin divide
- Intra-Basin transfers
- Communities in counties that straddle the basin divide
Different requirements apply to each type of exception. The Regional Body and Compact Council use stringent Guidance and Rules for review.
To date, only the City of Waukesha's (WI) proposal for a diversion has undergone a review by the Regional Body and been approved by the Compact Council.
City of Waukesha, Wisconsin Application
In 2016, the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, requested approval for a Diversion as a Community in a Straddling County. Following review by the Regional Body and its declaration that the application met the Agreement’s criteria with conditions, it was approved by the Compact Council with conditions.
Annual Reports
Wisconsin DNR Website that includes all reports and background information
Record of Decision
- June 21, 2016 Final Decision of the Compact Council on City of Waukesha Application
- May 18, 2016 Regional Body Declaration of Finding on City of Waukesha Application
- Record of Decision (Warning! 1.9 GB file)
Administrative Hearing
- December 18, 2017 Response to Notice from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Regional Body and Council regarding Waukesha Diversion
- November 30, 2017 Notice from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Regional Body and Council regarding Waukesha Diversion
- May 4, 2017 Opinion on Request for Hearing
- Additional correspondence on the hearing available upon request
