The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) represents a cooperative effort between Canada and the United States to restore and preserve the water quality of the Great Lakes. The agreement was first signed in 1972 and was amended in 2012 to reflect new scientific and technological advancements. The GLWQA is guided by the principles of prevention, control, and abatement of pollution in the Great Lakes basin.

The GLWQA is an important document for environmental science students (known as APES) as it provides a comprehensive definition of the environmental issues surrounding the Great Lakes. As we all know, the Great Lakes are important not only for their natural beauty, but also for their economic and recreational value. To ensure their long-term health, it is important to understand the environmental challenges facing the Great Lakes.

One of the key challenges facing the Great Lakes is pollution. The Great Lakes are subject to pollution from a variety of sources, including agriculture, industry, urbanization, and shipping. Polluted run-off from farms and cities, untreated sewage, and industrial effluent all contribute to the problem. The GLWQA seeks to address this issue by setting standards for the quality of water in the Great Lakes and establishing measures to prevent and reduce pollution.

Another significant issue facing the Great Lakes is the introduction of invasive species. Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that can cause significant damage to native ecosystems. The Great Lakes are particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to the high volume of shipping traffic, which can introduce new species from around the world. The GLWQA addresses this issue by establishing measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in the Great Lakes.

Eutrophication is another issue facing the Great Lakes. Eutrophication is the process by which bodies of water become enriched with nutrients, often resulting in the growth of harmful algal blooms. The Great Lakes are susceptible to eutrophication due to the excess nutrients that enter the system through agricultural run-off and untreated sewage. The GLWQA seeks to address this issue by establishing measures to reduce nutrient inputs and improve water quality.

Overall, the GLWQA represents an important step in the ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes. By providing a comprehensive definition of the environmental issues facing the Great Lakes, the GLWQA serves as an invaluable resource for APES students, environmental scientists, and policymakers. As we continue to face new challenges in protecting the Great Lakes, the GLWQA will remain an important tool in our efforts to preserve this vital resource for generations to come.