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

Water Gremlin: How lead sinkers harm people too

The state’s sudden closure of the troubled Water Gremlin facility (known for producing lead fishing sinkers and battery terminals) casts new light on a little-discussed risk of lead products: “take-home lead.”  >>

Read more
Leading scientists to UN: Slash nitrogen waste — or else!

We're not the only region working to stem nitrogen pollution. Scientists are calling on the United Nations to focus on this serious issue worldwide.  >>

Read more
Lead shot takes the spotlight as FMR petitions state

As fall hunting season arrives, lead shot and tackle is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Why? Because lead rounds can kill twice.  >>

Read more
Star Tribune highlights link between pheasant decline and farming

How we farm impacts the Mississippi River — and bird populations. We can help them both. >>
 

Read more
The end of ethanol: Future-proofing Minnesota’s cropland

The electric vehicle transition will happen, and it has huge implications for American farms (not to mention opportunities for water quality). In the electrified world of 2050, demand for corn ethanol will have plummeted, and the agricultural economy will be nothing like the one you know today. If we invest in innovative clean-water crops now, we can improve the long-term outlook for our state’s rural economic prosperity and for our river.   >>

Read more
Global action on hybrid and electric vehicle commitments

We're tracking the transition to electric vehicles because moving away from ethanol production has major implications for agriculture and therefore water quality. Here's a very brief summary of recent local and global commitments towards electric vehicle incentives, requirements and production goals.  >>

Read more
Stormwater's hidden perils

As our climate changes and water infrastructure ages, the challenges of water management are becoming more severe. Ultimately, our changing climate means that Minnesota faces more — and more powerful — storms, leading to sewage emergencies, mega-storms, sandbagged lake houses and twelve billion-dollar price tags.  >>

Read more
MPR: UN study says don’t worry about microplastics in drinking water – much

Minnesota Public Radio recently highlighted a World Health Organization study on microplastics in drinking water. The conclusion: “…levels of microplastics in drinking water don't appear to be risky, but that research has been spotty and more is needed into their effects on the environment and health.”  >>
 

Read more
UN: Global warming is splintering our food supply

Agriculture is a major driver of climate change, but it can also be a big part of the solution. The future of the planet relies on shifting to sustainable practices more rapidly than ever before.  >>

Read more
"Workhorse" Minnesota River needs our help

The Star Tribune recently highlighted the state's $360 million plan to turn things around for the Minnesota River and cut the river's sediment levels in half. Will it be enough?  >>

Read more

Pages

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Vermillion River Linear Park, Hastings
April through October
St. Paul
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 2:30pm to 6:00pm
North 20 Brewing, Rosemount