Nitrate fertilizer: Expensive, not just deadly
Pollution from nitrate fertilizers causes severe health problems — for the river and for people — that cost us dearly, as detailed in a new report focused on Wisconsin water supplies. >>
State’s Groundwater Protection Rule now in full effect
As noted in a recent MPR News story, Minnesota farm operators will no longer be allowed to apply nitrogen fertilizer in the fall or on frozen ground above Minnesota’s most vulnerable aquifers. While that means cleaner drinking water for many Minnesotans, this rule alone won't solve our nitrate pollution problems. >>
State names cities to be protected by Groundwater Protection Rule
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has reached a major milestone by identifying which communities are eligible for protection under the state’s new Groundwater Protection Rule. >>
Thank you, River Guardians!
Thank you, River Guardians! We deeply appreciate you advocating for clean water and sustainable and equitable development along the river this past year. >>
MN's groundbreaking Groundwater Protection Rule goes into effect
After decades of delay, Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule aims to protect public health by addressing fertilizer contamination in groundwater. This is the first time our state has exercised its regulatory authority over cropland agriculture to protect water quality. >>
FMR advocates call on MN to protect our drinking water!
Hat’s off to FMR’s advocates! On August 15, FMR staff hand-delivered 226 comments from River Guardians and other advocates calling on the state to both implement and improve a new state rule to protect our groundwater. >>
FMR’s comments on the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule
On August 15, FMR staff submitted comments to Judge Palmer-Denig in support of approving and improving the state’s proposed Groundwater Protection Rule. >>
Why we need the Groundwater Protection Rule
About 75% of Minnesotans get their drinking water from public and private wells. Many of these wells are susceptible to nitrate contamination from cropland fertilizers, which can make the water unsafe to drink.
Today, at least 537 public water supply wells across the state have elevated nitrate levels. About 10% of private wells in vulnerable areas exceed the Health Risk Limit (HRL), including some townships where 30% to 40% or more of private wells are unsafe to drink from!
Legislators delay MN groundwater protection, Dayton says 'no'
A new state rule aimed at reducing groundwater contamination by farm fertilizers could be delayed by a legislative move made formal on Monday, June 11. But Gov. Mark Dayton is calling the move unconstitutional and has instructed the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to proceed as planned.
At this time, public hearings about the new and much-needed water protection rule are still on the calendar, including one in Farmington, Monday, July 16. Expect a River Guardians Action Alert this July as well. >>
House votes 69-56 to block state’s Groundwater Protection Rule
On Monday, April 26, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 69-56 to pass a bill to block the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule from going into effect without legislative approval.
Gov. Mark Dayton has promised a veto, but the blocking language exists in several other bills, meaning it may yet advance to the governor's desk as part of other legislation. >>