Features Environment Environment Protection Environment Research Livestock Production Regulations Research State United States
Minnesota River straining under farming pressure

October 3, 2017, Mankato, MN — Minnesota’s namesake river is straining from a big increase in water flow caused by farm drainage systems, heavy with nitrates that threaten Mankato’s drinking water supply, according to a study conducted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

A summary of the study (pca.state.mn.us/mn-river-study) was released October 2 at a park next to the Minnesota River.

Based on recent water monitoring and decades of research, overall the Minnesota River is suffering in water quality. Sediment clouds the water, phosphorus fuels algae growth and nitrogen and bacteria pose health risks. READ MORE