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Southeastern Minnesota is characterized by an unusual type of geography called karst, where the distinction between groundwater and surface water is blurry.

The MPCA plans to amend Minnesota Rules chapter 7050, which establishes beneficial uses and water quality standards to protect those uses, and designates where the uses occur in waters of the state.

The MPCA uses the Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS) to store water quality data from more than 17,000 Minnesota sampling locations.

Intense storms of late spring can wash soil and other pollutants into rivers. Producers can use several techniques to protect their soil and water quality.

Waterways in the northeastern part of the state are generally in better condition than those in the southern, central, and western regions.

MPCA's compliance and enforcement program tracks how well wastewater treatment facilities are complying with their permits and takes enforcement actions when necessary.

Online tool showing Minnesota waters failing to meet one or more water quality standards.

Surface water assessment grants (SWAG) provide local organizations and citizen volunteers with funds to complete the monitoring needed to meet assessment requirements on Minnesota lakes and streams. Assessment is usually the first step in protecting or restoring surface waters.

Permits help the MPCA protect the environment.

Three committees are accountable to and advise the full Clean Water Council. Meetings are scheduled and open to the public.

The MPCA provides financial and technical assistance to local government and other water resource managers to address nonpoint-source water pollution.

Join the celebration! We look forward to highlighting Minnesota’s clean water successes and invite you to use our 50th anniversary art and branded graphics.

MPCA seeks public comment on two draft industrial wastewater permits for U.S. Steel Corp.’s Keetac mining area and tailings basin in Keewatin, Minnesota. These permits will improve protections for wild rice waters and human health.

The MPCA has developed guidance on a number of topics to assist real estate developers, environmental engineers, remediation consultants, and others in addressing brownfields and contaminated sites.

Water quality standards are frequently adopted statewide or by ecoregions. These standards can include large areas with different types of water, biological communities and natural water chemistries.

What is the blue-green scum that looks like spilled paint?In lakes that are over-enriched with phosphorus and nitrogen, algae tend to prosper and create algae blooms. Blue-green algae and one type in…

Environmental regulations vary by industry. To help you navigate this, we've compiled key considerations based on common industries, processes, and equipment.

To protect human health and the environment, we need to limit the amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our waters to safe levels. Safe levels means water can be used for drinking,…

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.

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