Everything you need to know about fall yard care
Our friends over at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization recently posted a great article featuring tips for fall yard care.
Check out their blog post to learn why what’s good for your yard is good for our waters! >>
Why we initiated a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota
This week, FMR joined eight other conservation organizations in initiating a lawsuit against the state. It’s an unusual move for FMR, but an important one. Here’s why. >>
MPR coverage: Nitrate in drinking water a costly problem for small, rural cities
Recent MPR news coverage examines the costs of nitrate contamination in drinking water in small, rural communities — those least able to afford treatment costs. >>
Can contact lenses end up in your beer? Well, sort of.
Microplastics, tiny bits of plastic pollution, are the subject of recent New York Times and National Public Radio articles that explore the sources and consequences of ubiquitous microplastic pollution. >>
St. Croix Watershed Research Station: 3 steps to clean water
Our friends at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station recently published a new ‘Field Notes’ article detailing three ways experts think Minnesota could make measurable progress on improving water quality in Minnesota. >>
A small metro-area town has a big drinking water problem
Emblematic of challenges facing many rural communities, up to 55 percent of the private wells in the town of Coates in Dakota County exceed safe levels for nitrates. This is why we need a strong Groundwater Protection Rule. >>
FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!
Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>
FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule
On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>
MPR: Wetter weather causing sewage headaches for MN cities
What happens when you add climate change to aging water infrastructure? Sewage goes where it shouldn't. Learn more from this MPR article by Kirsti Marohn with FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell.
Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule
About 75% of Minnesotans get their drinking water from public and private wells. Many of these wells are susceptible to nitrate contamination from cropland fertilizers, which can make the water unsafe to drink.
Today, at least 537 public water supply wells across the state have elevated nitrate levels. About 10% of private wells in vulnerable areas exceed the Health Risk Limit (HRL), including some townships where 30% to 40% or more of private wells are unsafe to drink from!