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The Clean Water Act established the framework for creating water quality standards and continues to help us protect Minnesota's prized lakes and rivers.

Nitrogen management plans help operators of wastewater treatment facilities understand the inputs of nitrogen to their facilities and evaluate options that can reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged.

This committee included a broad range of stakeholders and was charged with providing perspective, input, and advice to the commissioner on MPCA's water fees.

Protecting and restoring water quality is one of the MPCA's core areas of focus.

The MPCA works with city and county governments, watershed districts, consultants, and others on monitoring, protecting, and restoring water quality. This is a repository of guidance and technical resources for agency partners.

Wild rice is an important part of the biological community in many Minnesota lakes, streams, and wetlands, and a cultural resource to many, particularly members of the Dakota and Ojibwe Tribal Nations in Minnesota.

Wastewater treatment plant in Elk River paid a $15,000 fine for consistently discharging fecal coliform and phosphorus into nearby Tibbets Brook.

Implementing water quality standards come with tangible costs and benefits. Costs such as taxes to residents, regulated parties, and communities help achieve benefits such as increased property values, tourism, and protecting human health.

Feedlot nutrient and manure management

We come from the stars Nibi Walks: A prayer for the water

Wastewater treatment and disposal are important for protecting and preserving Minnesota's water resources. MPCA regulates wastewater treatment activities in Minnesota.

Resources and guidance for TMDL projects in Minnesota.

Community wastewater treatment facilities and their operators play a critical role in maintaining a health community and preserving and protecting our waters.

MPCA is opening the rule that regulates about 17,000 animal feedlots.

The northeast region of Minnesota is home to the state’s metallic mining industry. The "Iron Range" has a history of iron ore (“ferrous”) mining dating back to the late 1800s and includes the large…

The MPCA is committed to engaging broadly with the public and ensuring that residents affected by its decisions have a voice in its processes.

In karst landscapes, the distinction between groundwater and surface water is blurry.

From 2023-2025, Northshore Mining released recycled water to the ground seven times and water relating to mining processes four times. Its largest unpermitted release was nearly 400,000 gallons of recycled water. Northshore Mining has documented equipment failure as the reason for the 11 releases.

The MPCA is authorized to develop numeric water quality criteria that apply specifically to a water body or region where the pollutant is found, using data from that water body or region.

From January through March 2025, MPCA air monitoring data showed elevated lead levels that exceeded national ambient air quality standards near the facility. An MPCA inspection of Gopher Resource in spring 2025 confirmed that the source of the elevated lead levels was addressed.