Drinking water

There's no excuse for unsafe drinking water. Yet every day, there are Minnesotans whose health is put at risk by outdated lead service lines, aging water treatment infrastructure or community wells tainted with nitrates. Unsurprisingly, it's often economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color who are most at risk. At FMR, we advocate for funding and policies that will ensure all Minnesotans — regardless of their ZIP code — have access to safe drinking water, while simultaneously defending the important environmental protections that do exist.

Drinking water
FMR now a Water Over Nickel partner
FMR signs on as a partner to Water Over Nickel to oppose the negative consequences of nickel mining. Read more
Minnesota wetland
A win for clean drinking water: Petition propels action on nitrate contamination in SE MN
These collective investments are a laudable first step, but there's more to be done to address the root cause of nitrate pollution in the state. Read more
A hand holds a mason jar filled to the top with clear, clean water. A field of Kernza perennial grain is in the background.
For the 2nd straight year, a major victory for the Clean Water Fund
Ongoing efforts to address Minnesota’s most pressing water quality challenges and opportunities. Read more
A couple of paddlers in a canoe on the Mississippi River, seen from high above. The shore is lined with golden and red trees.
Restoring public oversight of major MPCA decisions
We all benefit from community oversight of the biggest, most important agency for pollution regulation in Minnesota. Read more
A flurry of hands in the air, fingers pointed up as if wanting to interject in an important conversation.
Winter oilseeds: Key to clean water and lower emissions
These clean-water crops, which stay in the soil through the winter, can benefit the river in numerous ways. Read more
Organic farmer Karen Torjesen holds a hand low to the ground, amidst a recently planted field of winter camelina in November, 2023.
EPA says state needs to clean up drinking water in SE Minnesota
In response to a petition we signed last spring, the federal agency is requiring Minnesota to address the public health crisis created by nitrate pollution. Read more
Drinking water glass
A bad idea that won't go away: Diverting the river
Despite its high environmental and economic costs, the literal "pipe dream" of diverting water from the Mississippi River to Arizona, Colorado and other dry states won't disappear. Read more
Outline of U.S. with Mississippi River, plus a pipeline splitting off the river to the Southwest

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Upcoming Events

November 1 - 21, 2024
Online
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 10:00am
Virtual
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul