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We Are Water MN travels to Leech Lake, where Raining White works to protect and restore manoomin, or wild rice.

Proposed changes to permits that regulate the state’s largest animal feedlots target nitrate pollution statewide.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) sample and test fish in bodies of water where known pollution issues may be a concern for human health through fish consumption.

Thanks to years of restoration efforts, the MPCA confirmed the Kabekona River meets water quality standards for recreation and proposed its removal from the 2026 impaired waters list.

“Urban wood,” or wood salvaged from cities, suburbs, and towns, is a growing issue in Minnesota because of severe weather, urban expansion, and the emerald ash borer. Rather than burning the trees as waste, a preferred option for dealing with urban wood involves creating durable wood products like furniture, building materials, and wooden décor.

The MPCA completed 78 enforcement cases for water quality, air quality, waste, stormwater, and wastewater violations in the second half of 2025, for a total of 146 for the year.

Complaints of discrimination will be investigated

MPCA keeps its public data easily accessible for convenient use.

When leaves fall on streets, sidewalks, and other hardscapes in urban areas, they wash into the storm drains and end up in lakes and rivers where they feed algae growth. The algae then decomposes and uses up oxygen that fish and native plants need.

MPCA's recommended review criteria for wastewater treatment facilities that need to perform system maintenance that requires approval to bypass untreated or partially treated domestic wastewater.

Two small creeks in the Nemadji River watershed are cleaner, and some fish have returned, after restoration work that the MPCA took part in.

Resources for the dry cleaning industry

Answers to questions frequently asked by municipalities about management of contaminated sediments in stormwater collection systems that they own and operate.

The city of Duluth will pay a $12,000 fine and spend $190,000 in compensation for a 2024 incident that led to a fish kill in Tischer Creek.

Collaboration and engagement have been keys to progress in the St. Louis River AOC.

The MPCA amended Minnesota Rules relating to the grant application process for the solid waste management capital assistance program.

Resources and best management practices to help protect water quality on construction sites.

Every Minnesotan — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin — has the right to healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.

From the days when raw sewage flowed into rivers and lakes, Minnesota’s water bodies have come a long way. However, there is still work to be done in the restoration and protection of our waters.

Sustained efforts by cities and water management organizations have restored water quality in two Dakota County lakes.