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 Yet every day, there are Minnesotans whose health is put at risk by outdated lead service lines, aging water treatment infrastructure or community wells tainted with nitrates.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
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.
FMR now a Water Over Nickel partner

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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

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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.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 10:30am to 1:00pm OR 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Magnolia Blossom Paddle Boat, St. Paul
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, Cottage Grove
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Pine Bend Bluffs Natural Area at the Flint Hills Resources property, Inver Grove Heights