The State Senate has passed a multi-state, international compact that restricts the transfer of water from the Great Lakes Basin.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Water Resources Compact has been in the works for years. Earlier this year, it was approved by the Great Lakes states as well as the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It was sent to Congress in July.

The House of Representatives hasn't voted on the pact yet, but will when it returns from the August recess, says the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, an organization that supports the bill. Congressional approval is needed because states can't enter into international agreements.