Lakes compact focus shifts

A year ago, it seemed a proposed compact designed to prevent raids on the Great Lakes might be sunk by squabbles in the states with jurisdiction over nearly one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water.

Now the deal is close to ratification on the state level, and supporters are beginning to plot strategy for the final step: winning approval from Congress and the White House.

On the surface, the task would appear easy. Congress has endorsed more than 200 interstate compacts over the years, including 41 dealing specifically with water management. They regulate use of some of the nation's primary water sources, such as the Colorado and Delaware rivers.