Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Instagram) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Saving the baby AND the bathwater: New hope for a sensible Clean Water Rule

by Peter LaFontaine

January 11, 2021

Back in 2019, the Trump administration adopted new regulations that significantly undermine how our nation's public water supplies are protected. Now, an independent review has found that the federal government's decision-making process was fundamentally flawed. Will the Biden administration reverse the rollbacks? >>

River Guardians made an impact in 2020

by Ellie Rogers

January 5, 2021

We're celebrating the successes of more than 1,500 River Guardians who took action in 2020 to hold polluters of a toxic riverfront waste site accountable, to invest in critical infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water, and to protect migrating birds along the metro Mississippi flyway. Thank you! Find out more about your impact and what we're up against in 2021. >>

Our 2021 legislative priorities

by Trevor Russell

December 7, 2020

With elections in the books and a revised state budget forecast, it’s time for us to look ahead to the 2021 legislative session in Minnesota. Here’s what's in store for the river and our environment, and how you can get involved as a River Guardian. >>

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. >>

What the 2020 election results mean for the Mississippi River

by Trevor Russell

November 10, 2020

How will our recent elections impact the Mississippi River? Here's our preliminary take. >>

Democracy prevails in the great FMR Kernza bake-off!

by Peter LaFontaine

November 6, 2020

The votes are in! Get tips and recipes from our star baker and from our guest judge, award-winning chef Beth Dooley. Find out who won. >>

How water gets from our river to the tap (and back)

by Peter LaFontaine

November 2, 2020

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? And what happens when you flush your toilet? We've plumbed the depths for the best podcasts and articles that can answer all your questions on public water systems in the Twin Cities. >>

Climate change means crops won't grow like they used to

by Peter LaFontaine

November 1, 2020

A new study projects 30% reduction in profits for farmers in 50 years due to flooding, drought, rising temps and other impacts of climate change. Fortunately, cover crops, perennial grains and other innovations can weather climate change *and* reduce agricultural runoff for our river. >>

Minnesota approves historic bonding bill

by Trevor Russell

October 16, 2020

On October 15, the Minnesota Legislature achieved a breakthrough for the state’s economy and public health with the passage of a $1.8 billion bonding bill that includes more than $302 million for water infrastructure supported by FMR as part of the Fix the Pipes MN alliance. Sadly, it also includes a project we strongly oppose: the Upper Harbor Terminal concert venue in Minneapolis. >>