LANSING – A partnership of state environmental groups is pushing for Michigan to join neighboring states in adopting a Great Lakes compact that would restrict exporting lake water.

The Great Lakes Great Michigan Coalition said the compact would help prevent drought-ridden western and southern states from withdrawing water for their areas because the lake-bordering states and provinces could regulate water use.

"Other states are eyeing our water," said Hugh McDiarmid, communications director for the Michigan Environmental Council, one of more than 40 groups in the coalition.

“No one has actually asked us for the water yet, but it’s been in discussion.”

Abby Rubley, field director for Environment Michigan, said key comments about Great Lakes water have come from drought-stricken Georgia and from presidential candidate and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

Richardson, a democrat, had suggested forcing states, particularly Great Lakes states, to divert water resources to drought-stricken states in the Southwest. Richardson dropped that idea after strong backlash from environmental groups and other candidates.

“Once backlash from our groups came his way, he backed off that suggestion,” Rubley said.

The Great Lakes hold about 84 percent of North America’s surface fresh water.

Eight surrounding states and two Canadian provinces have been invited to sign the compact. To date, Illinois, Minnesota and Ontario have approved the compact, and approval is expected next year by Quebec, Indiana, New York and Pennsylvania.

Wisconsin has formed a special commission to investigate the economic effects of blocking such a large resource from access by other states.

Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, said that it’s important to make sure that any decision is truly bi-partisan before it’s set into law.

“We want to make sure that Michigan water is being used in its fullest potential,” Basham said.

The coalition also wants legislation that would require large water users, such as bottlers, to prove that they are not polluting and being as thrifty as possible with the water they use.

Sen. Patricia Birkholz, R-Saugatuck Township, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, introduced legislation in the Senate to approve the compact.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed the compact and is waiting for legislative approval.

“Conservation is key to Michigan’s future,” Birkholz said, calling the Great Lakes “vital to the success of our state, whether it’s agriculture or tourism.”

Birkholz said now is the time to set up adequate protection because there are more and more “thirsty states” looking to increase their development, almost guaranteeing that their water woes will get worse.

“Their water problems are not our problems to solve. It’s their problem to solve,” she said.

McDiarmid said that the two main reasons for the delay in legislative action are that Lansing lawmakers have been busy with the budget and coalition members are taking time to write better legislation.

"We are clearly looking for a bipartisan, bicameral agreement," he said.

McDiarmid said the coalition prefers legislation introduced in the House, but members are working with the Senate to come up with a compromise.