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The MPCA uses the Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS) to store water quality data from more than 17,000 Minnesota sampling locations. EQuIS contains information from Minnesota streams and lakes dating back to 1926.

Water quality data 2026-2027 timeline:

  • Through June 2, 2026: Submit project and location metadata, complete 2025 data review.
  • Through Nov. 1, 2026: Submit field data via the Field data template.
  • Dec. 1, 2026: Begin final data review.
  • Dec. 15, 2026: Complete final data review for assessment related data.
  • Jan. 15, 2027: Data finalized and ready for the 2027 assessment process.

Contractors must provide analytical data in the MPCA LAB_MN format and follow chain-of-custody procedures. Learn more:

Submitting data

Note: Always use the current online version of the forms; they are updated frequently.

Save the project and location establishment forms to your computer before filling them out and emailing them to an EQuIS team member and designated MPCA project manager.

Step 1: Submit a project establishment form for new projects or project updates.

Step 2: Submit a location establishment form for establishing new sampling locations or to associate existing sampling locations with your project (co-located sites).

Step 3: Use the field data template to submit your field data on or before November 1.

Data review

To protect the quality of data in EQuIS, newly submitted data is marked as preliminary until it has been reviewed by an MPCA project manager or local partner.

In the first week of December, crosstab reports with review instructions will be emailed to project managers who submitted an "EQuIS ready" field data template or an electronic data deliverable (EDD) to the EQuIS Team by November 1.

Priority watershed data

All priority watershed data must be finalized and ready for the assessment process by Jan. 15, 2027. Late submittals will be processed as time allows. If deadlines are missed, the data will likely not be finalized in time to be used.

The MPCA will conduct surface water assessments for these watersheds in early 2027 to determine whether water bodies meet state water quality standards:

  • 07020012 Lower Minnesota River
  • 07100001 Des Moines River – Headwaters
  • 07100002 Lower Des Moines River
  • 07100003 East Fork Des Moines River
  • 09020107 Red River of the North - Marsh River
  • 09020108 Wild Rice River
  • 09020302 Upper/Lower Red Lake
  • 09020305 Clearwater River
  • 09030001Rainy River – Headwaters
  • Minnesota Large river

Accessing EQuIS data