How clean Is clean? Lake Pepin & Lake Byllesby water quality standards

A proposal to ease pollution targets or site-specific standards at two popular lakes has raised concerns throughout Minnesota's water resource community. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking easier pollution-control targets for Lake Byllesby and Lake Pepin, two polluted recreation lakes south of the Twin Cities.

The new targets would lower the bar for cleanup of these vital water resources. FMR's water quality staff are currently working with our local partners to compile additional research on these proposed standards and advocate for a strong, scientifically valid approach to cleaning up Lake Pepin and Lake Byllesby.

For more about the proposed site-specific standards, check out the recent Star Tribune article on the issue.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, May 14, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Near Broadway bridge, North Minneapolis
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Along a Mississippi River backchannel, Otsego
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island, Minneapolis

Join us for Music for the Mississippi River 

Celebrate the Mississippi River and support FMR with Tina Schlieske and Molly Maher, May 30 at Dual Citizen Brewing in St. Paul.