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 Yet every day, there are Minnesotans whose health is put at risk by outdated lead service lines, aging water treatment infrastructure or community wells tainted with nitrates.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
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan

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The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
What about water quality? 3 takeaways from our time at the SAF Conference

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Two members of FMR's Water program attended to be a voice for the river and clean water in discussions around Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Read more
FMR's Meghan Anderson and Trevor Russell speaking to attendees at the SAF Conference.
What we like (and what we're not sure about) in MN's latest Nutrient Reduction Strategy draft

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This is the state’s flagship plan to address the stubborn, long-running nitrate and phosphorus pollution issues plaguing many of Minnesota’s waters. Read more
A shallow pond surrounded by agricultural land.
Oxygen-starved 'dead zone' in Gulf nearly as big as Connecticut

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Shrinking this recurring, humanmade disaster will require a fundamental shift in agriculture practices in the upper Midwest. Read more
A wide view of a tugboat in the Gulf of Mexico, against a cloudy sky.
FMR supports better feedlot rules for water quality

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FMR recently weighed in on potential changes to feedlot rules. Read our full comment letter to learn more. Read more
Cow in a feedlot
Take action: Tell lawmakers to support funding for healthy waters in the Legacy bill

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The bill includes more than $300 million for restoring Minnesota's rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. But its future is uncertain. Read more
A double-crested cormorant splashing in the water. A text overlay says "MNLEG 2025"
FMR urges MPCA to develop long-overdue nitrate standards

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How much nitrate in our surface waters is safe for plants and animals? We don't know, because the MPCA still hasn't established standards. Read more
An MPCA staffer in waders reaches down to get a sample from shallow waters.

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Upcoming Events

November 1 - 20, 2025
Online
Three options: October 20, October 28, November 22, 2025
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
F-O-K Studios, St. Paul