Watershed approach

The watershed approach is a 10-year cycle for addressing waters of the state on the level of Minnesota’s major watersheds. Since 2007, the MPCA and its partners have begun implementing this approach, as recommended by the Clean Water Council and directed by the Minnesota Legislature.

Intensive watershed monitoring map

Water quality protection and restoration

The primary feature of the watershed approach is that it focuses on the watershed’s condition as the starting point for water quality assessment, planning, implementation, and measurement of results. This approach may be modified to meet local conditions, based on factors such as watershed size, landscape diversity and geographic complexity (e.g., Twin Cities metro area).

To learn more information about the watershed approach:

• Watershed Approach Fact Sheet Summary (wq-s1-26)
• Watershed Approach to Condition Monitoring and Assessment (wq-s1-27)
• 10-year intensive watershed monitoring schedule (wq-cm3-01)

Watershed approach steps

The steps of the watershed approach are as follows:

Step 1 — Monitor and gather data and information

MPCA employs an intensive watershed monitoring schedule that will provide comprehensive assessments of all of the major watersheds on a ten-year cycle. This schedule provides intensive monitoring of streams and lakes within each major watershed to determine overall health of the water resources, to identify impaired waters, and to identify those waters in need of additional protection to prevent future impairments. Learn more about condition monitoring.

Intensive Watershed Monitoring

Step 2 — Assess the data

Based on results of intensive watershed monitoring in step one, MPCA staff and its partners conduct a rigorous process to determine whether or not water resources meet water quality standards and designated uses. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are listed as impaired waters. Learn more about assessment.

Step 3 — Establish implementation strategies to meet standards

Based on the watershed assessment, a TMDL study and/or protection strategy is completed. Existing local water plans and water body studies are incorporated into the planning process. Learn more about TMDLs.

Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies

Step 4 — Implement water quality activities

Included in this step are all traditional permitting activities*, in addition to programs and actions directed at nonpoint sources. Partnerships with state agencies and various local units of government, including watershed districts, municipalities, and soil and water conservation districts, will be necessary to implement these water quality activities.

Previous Impairments now Meeting Water Quality Standards due to Correction Actions
October 2011

*MPCA will continue routine regulation during all steps of the watershed approach process, as appropriate.

Contact

For more information, please contact:
Bob Finley, Regional Division Manager
12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2165, Mankato, MN 56001
507-344-5247; 800-657-3861
robert.finley@state.mn.us