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. We know from years of research about the pollutants that degrade water quality conditions, the sources of those pollutants, and the ways they reach the water.
2,904 of studied waters are considered impaired
As required by the federal Clean Water Act, every two years the MPCA assesses all waters of the state and creates a list of bodies of water that fail to meet water quality standards — the Impaired Waters list. In 2022, 305 water bodies and 417 impairments were added. In total, there are 2,904 water bodies with 6,168 impairments in Minnesota. Unhealthy conditions for fish and bugs are the most common impairments. This information will lead to studies and plans to restore the waters to standards.
Groundwater contamination continues to be a concern
Groundwater is the drinking water source for approximately 75% of Minnesota and provides almost all of the water used to irrigate crops. However, groundwater availability in the state varies by region. It is more difficult to access in the northeast and is scarce in some areas of the southwest.
The MPCA oversees the investigation and cleanup of active, contaminated sites. As part of this program,we have identified hundreds of sites where releases of hazardous substances have contaminated soil and groundwater.
Our closed landfill program has found PFAS contamination exceeding Minnesota Department of Health drinking water guidance values in 59 closed landfills.
The MPCA, in partnership with the DNR, is actively cleaning up PFAS groundwater contamination covering over 150 square miles, affecting the drinking water supplies of over 140,000 Minnesotans. Learn more about the 3M PFAS settlement on our 3M Settlement website.
The way we use our land impacts our waters
Land use has a major influence on water quality in the state. Cities and towns have abundant hard surfaces, such as roofs, streets, parking lots, and sidewalks. Rain and snow melt runs across these “hardscapes” rather than soaking into the ground, carrying leaves, dirt, trash, chemicals, and much more into storm drains and lakes, rivers, and streams.
Run off in rural areas poses several risks to Minnesota’s water quality. More than 70% of nitrate polluting in Minnesota waters comes from cropland. The problem is intensified by the increasing use of drain tile — plastic pipe installed under farmland to remove excess water from subsoils. In tiled cropland, rainwater flows through the drain tile on its way to surface water, carrying excess nutrients with it.
In addition, the land used for useful services and facilities can be a source of groundwater contamination. For example, underground tanks at a gas station can leak, releasing petroleum products to soil and groundwater. Some of our waste ends up in landfills, which can be a source of contamination if not managed properly.
Half of Minnesota's stream miles have been altered by humans
About half of Minnesota’s 83,000 stream miles have been physically altered by humans. Channelizing, ditching, and damming projects have changed the natural course of streams and their drainage areas. Altered stream channels can result in higher flows, higher levels of pollutants entering waterways, and degraded habitat.