Search
When temperatures climb and the summer sun beats down, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce harmful algae blooms, some of which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Guidance and recommendations for local officials dealing with public health issues related to blue-green algae.
When temperatures climb, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce algae blooms, some of which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Clearing ice? Before you reach for the salt bag and begin to scatter, consider using other tools to get the job done that are less toxic to our waterways and our beloved pets, and will save you money.
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…
Are pets affected by poor air quality? Will wearing a mask help when I’m outside? What is particulate pollution? We’ve got the answers.
Researchers collect samples of sediment from the bottom of Lake of the Woods in 2024. (Photo courtesy of St. Croix Watershed Research Station) After years of study…
Spilled mercury, even small quantities in the home, should be cleaned up quickly and properly so that people don't come in contact with it or breathe its vapors.
Salt is commonly over-applied, sending too much chloride into our waterways and wreaking havoc on fish and other wildlife.
The MPCA has a variety of educational displays, programs, and materials about chloride pollution. We encourage our partners to utilize these resources to engage with their community.
The Lower St. Croix Watershed covers 585,735 acres and is located in northwest Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota.
Excess phosphorus is harming Minnesota waters. Phosphorus comes from both regulated and non-regulated sources. A quarter of Minnesota lakes have high levels of phosphorus, which means that they do…
Minnesota rivers are shrinking in the drought; some have their lowest flows in decades. What will be the long term effects?
Lake of the Woods is a big lake with a big problem caused by one of nature’s smallest organisms: algae. Scientists from the MPCA and the Science Museum are working together to understand why.
Profile of Karl Scheuer, a volunteer with the MPCA's Volunteer Water Monitoring Program
Long-term lake management considers the unique environmental, cultural, and biological factors affecting the lake and sets a priority on finding lasting solutions.
The frequent wildfires in California and elsewhere, brought on by climate change, are affecting air quality for thousands of miles. That includes Minnesota.
State experts anticipate an active summer for air quality alerts with recurring ozone and wildfire smoke events
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.
MPCA studies shows 75% of Minnesota lakes meet standards for recreation. Clean Water Fund dollars help answer water quality questions.