Is Minnesota doing enough to protect our drinking water?

by Trevor Russell

September 13, 2023

A recent headline in the Star Tribune said it all: 'Little action so far on plan to enlist farmers to clean up polluted groundwater in Minnesota.' How did we get here? And what do we do about it? Read more

Person holds a mason jar of clear water in a field of Kernza

FMR joins environmental group's petition for clean drinking water in SE Minnesota

May 2, 2023

Nitrate levels in private and public wells are endangering drinking water for southeastern Minnesotans. We've signed on to a petition to urge the EPA to take action. Read more

Person holding drinking water in Kernza field

Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly

by Peter LaFontaine

December 4, 2020

Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>

State’s Groundwater Protection Rule now in full effect

by Trevor Russell

September 10, 2020

As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>

State names cities to be protected by Groundwater Protection Rule

by Trevor Russell

January 24, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has reached a major milestone by identifying which communities are eligible for protection under the state’s new Groundwater Protection Rule. >>

Thank you, River Guardians!

by Sophie Downey

December 11, 2019

Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>

MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect

by Trevor Russell

July 15, 2019

After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>