Water

FMR is proud to be a leading voice in protecting the water of our Big River and all the people and wildlife who depend on it.

From the banks of the Mississippi to the halls of the Legislature, our Water program strives to keep you up to date on important water-quality issues. (For political animals, here are all FMR posts related to legislative advocacy.)

Blog updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Minnesota updates list of impaired waters for 2022

As required by the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota creates a list of impaired waters — those that fail to meet water quality standards — every two years. For the draft 2022 list, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is adding 305 water bodies with 417 new impairments.  >>

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River Guardians' impact in 2021

Watch the thank-you video we recorded (complete with outtakes at the end) to celebrate the successes of our River Guardians. These advocates took action in 2021 to champion a federal funding program to protect the Mississippi, advocate for more parkland in Cottage Grove and protect Minneapolis' drinking water.  >>

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Can we make Minnesota's drinking water lead-free?

Everyone deserves clean, safe drinking water. Unfortunately, though lead was banned for plumbing in 1986, existing lead pipes remain a threat in Minnesota. FMR is working with our partners to advance three emerging opportunities to fund lead service line replacement.  >>

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State announces new pilot program to include climate change in environmental review

In September, the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board approved a pilot project that will — for the first time — assess the climate impacts of some of Minnesota’s largest projects. Here’s what this long-overdue decision means for Minnesota’s efforts to address climate impacts on our environment, including the Mississippi River.  >>

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How to support our downstream neighbors after the hurricane

As our downstream neighbors continue to recover from yet another deadly and devastating hurricane, many of us are wondering "How can we help?"

Here's how you can support immediate relief efforts near the Gulf, volunteer online and take action to support long-term resiliency for the Mississippi River and its riverfront and delta communities.  >>

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Action Alert: Tell Gov. Walz it's time to consider climate [CLOSED]

Tell Gov. Walz and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) that we can't wait to consider climate change. >>

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'It's really, really exciting': Clean-water crops are on the verge of something big

The latest headlines say clean-water crops could finally be taking off.  >>

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Action Alert: Support the Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative (MRRRI)

One of FMR's top priorities is the passage of the MRRRI Act in Congress. Please take a few minutes to ask your U.S. Senators and Representatives to protect and restore the Mississippi River for generations to come. >>

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Why it's time for a new federal river program (MRRRI) that supports farmers

When it comes to agriculture, the proposed Mississippi River Restoration & Resilience Initiative would help farmers improve soil, enhance water quality, reduce nutrient loss and boost profitability — goals policymakers of all stripes should agree with.  >>

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2021 Gulf of Mexico dead zone far bigger than expected

The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is three times bigger than it "should" be. Here's what you can do to help restore balance to the Gulf and the Mississippi River.  >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area