Water-intensive industries are attracted to the Great Lakes region and decision-makers need more information to weigh long-term groundwater use and alternatives to groundwater. Residents are uncertain about who is in charge, how to engage, and if their preferences are being heard. At every level, more clarity is needed on who shares groundwater and how best to collaborate equitably and sustainably. Freshwater assessed the status of the groundwater governance framework and the potential for future policy work in an area that includes the six western Great Lakes states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio and 35 federally recognized Tribal nations. A recently completed second phase of work was designed to advance a regional groundwater governance system based on common understanding that fosters inclusive prosperity, ecological health, and repairs past harm, while being resilient to climate and population stresses. From this project a new question emerged: is there a reasonable pathway to participate in the governance of groundwater? Currently, the laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies governing the use of groundwater in Tribal, federal, state, and local jurisdictions are not well-connected. This is largely intentional and a result of the distributed structure of governance in the U.S. and Minnesota. However, as outside interest groups vie for this region’s groundwater, governance gaps create vulnerabilities for communities that depend on groundwater to support basic needs. We promote aquifer-based governance spanning political jurisdictions.