Featured stories
Clean Water Fund helps with expensive septic system fixes
A malfunctioning septic system can be one of the more expensive home repairs — and a major threat to water quality — but Clean Water Fund dollars are helping.
Get the lead out and win prizes!
The Get the Lead Out sweepstakes encourage Minnesota anglers to stop using lead tackle, and offer chances to win great prizes!
Beware of harmful algae blooms
Be alert to the possible presence of toxic algae in Minnesota lakes and rivers. Blue-green algae can be harmful to both people and pets and are more common in hot, calm weather.
Clean Water Partnership loans reducing water pollution, one project at a time
CWP loans help partners address unregulated sources of water contamination, such as failing septic systems and farmland runoff.
Protecting water quality from water softeners
Roughly 65 percent of all chloride passing through wastewater facilities — 136,000 tons of chloride annually — comes from residential and commercial water softening.
Burning wood in a pandemic: Tips for backyard fires
If you must have a backyard fire, take steps to reduce air pollution and protect people in your community with respiratory illnesses.
Reducing air pollution from off-road vehicles
Taylor Trucking Line in Northfield used grant funds from the MPCA to replace an older, polluting diesel engine in its terminal tractor with a new electric motor.
Line 3 contested case hearing schedule released
The MPCA has granted a contested case hearing on the agency's draft 401 water quality certification for Enbridge's Line 3 replacement project. What questions are being considered?
Hawk Creek soars above state’s 80 watersheds for water quality work
The Hawk Creek Watershed Project covers only part of one of Minnesota's 80 major watersheds, but is taking huge steps toward improving water quality in the Minnesota River Basin.
Water quality and monitoring: One storm makes a difference
Heavy rains can dramatically change water quality in rivers and streams from one day to the next, flushing sediment and pollutants into the water.
Reducing the use of ethylene oxide
New MPCA grants are aimed at reducing the use of ethylene oxide in the state. The chemical, a known carcinogen, was recently found to be more harmful than previously thought.
MPCA proposes new feedlot permit
The proposed feedlot general permit includes new protections aimed at shielding water quality from contamination by manure spread on farm fields.
Citizen science in action: Joan Redig on Paradise Valley Creek
Joan Redig's interest in conservation is reflected on her rural Houston County property. Now she monitors Paradise Valley Stream as a volunteer for MPCA's citizen monitoring program.
MPCA grants contested case hearing on pipeline project
The MPCA is granting a contested case hearing on the agency’s draft 401 water quality certification for Enbridge’s Line 3 replacement project.
Redesign options for Freeway Landfill and Dump
MPCA is proposing two options for cleaning up the Freeway Landfill, to protect the Minnesota River and nearby drinking water wells.