The Great Lakes hold about a fifth of the world’s surface fresh water, and they provide drinking water to more than 30 million people. This week, mayors from cities across the region signed a new pact in Chicago pledging to protect that resource through shared targets and coordinated investment.

The agreement includes goals to replace remaining lead service lines within 12 years, cut stormwater overflows by half and reduce single-use plastic waste entering the lakes. Cities will report progress publicly every two years.

A Regional Approach

“Water does not recognize city limits or borders,” said the pact’s lead organizer, Mayor Patricia Holloway of a mid-sized lakeside city. “If one city pollutes, everyone downstream pays the price. We have to act together.”

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Many of the commitments build on existing programs, but the pact creates a common framework for measuring results. A new regional data center, based at a university research institute, will track water quality from hundreds of monitoring sites and publish the results online.

Public education is another important part of the pact. Cities will run campaigns to help residents reduce household water waste, dispose of chemicals safely and keep storm drains clear of litter. Several mayors highlighted successful programs in which schools adopt sections of shoreline for regular cleanup and monitoring. “Young people are some of our best advocates,” Holloway says. “When kids learn about the lakes, they teach their families.” The pact also encourages cities to share best practices for green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavement, which reduce runoff while making neighborhoods greener and more attractive.

Funding The Work

Replacing lead pipes and upgrading sewer systems is expensive. The cities estimate their combined needs at more than $20 billion over the next decade. They plan to apply jointly for federal and state infrastructure grants, arguing that coordinated projects deliver better value.

Environmental groups praised the pact but urged cities to move quickly. “The targets are solid,” says Rachel Kim of the Freshwater Future Coalition. “Now residents need to see crews in the streets.” Organizers say additional cities are expected to join before the end of the year.

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