- 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.



Supporters are beginning to plot strategy for the final step of winning approval from Congress and the White House.

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.

But backers remain wary.

That's in part because it was fear of water grabs from other sections of the country -- or even from overseas -- that inspired the eight states to negotiate their deal.