Bluegreen algae in lakes are fed by phosphorus and can sometimes grow out of control when the weather gets hot. Lakes with elevated levels of chloride (salt) are also more likely to experience algae blooms.
Read More
All articles filed in Keeping water clean
A view from above tells stories of people and water
Over the past year, Taylor Mills has been working with the South Washington Watershed District to document water and habitat restoration projects across the watershed, from Woodbury to Grey Cloud Island. She is a Minnesota-born video, photo, and drone professional who specializes in cinematic storytelling that is filmed from above.
Read More
How long is forever? Understanding PFAS (aka. Forever Chemicals) and their local impacts
This March, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued updated fish consumption advisories for several lakes and rivers statewide that are impacted by mercury and PFAS.
Would you like to learn more about PFAS and its local impacts? Freshwater and the East Metro Water Education Program will co-host an info session for volunteers and local residents on Wednesday, April 8 (6-8pm) at the Oakdale Discovery Center. Dr. Ali Ling of the University of St. Thomas will speak and there will also be time for questions and conversation. Register at minnesotawaterstewards.org/pfas.
Read More
Slowing the nutrient highway
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently released a report summarizing ten-years of progress toward reducing water pollution in the state’s rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers. The biggest news is that Minnesota is sending 32% less phosphorus and 6% less nitrogen down the Mississippi River, compared with in 2014. In addition, three-quarters of the lakes assessed by the MPCA statewide show declining phosphorus concentrations.
Read More
At Pig’s Eye, hope and despair abound in equal measure
Once, it was C̣hokáŋ Taŋka, the Dakota village of Kaposia, and a bountiful mecca for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Later, it was a highway of pollution, filled with human sewage, garbage, and carcasses from the local slaughterhouses. Today, it includes a regional park and DNR Scientific and Natural Area, surrounded by rail yards and heavy industry.
Read More
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency launches new SMART salt module for rural communities
Road maintenance in rural communities like Grant and Stillwater Township is significantly different than in larger cities like Oakdale and Woodbury. A new rural roads training module aims to help small communities stretch their limited public works budgets while also protecting local lakes and streams from salt and sediment pollution.
Read More
Legacy Amendment is one of many things that Minnesota does well
The Legacy Amendment has catalyzed significant improvements in Minnesota’s natural environment, including 184 lakes and streams delisted and more than 1 million acres of wildlife habitat protected or restored.
Read More
Helping homeowner associations navigate stormwater and green infrastructure maintenance
The East Metro Water Education Program (EMWREP) and University of Minnesota have worked together to develop an education toolkit and launch a three-part Stormwater Leadership Series for HOA board members, which was piloted tis spring5.Â
Read More
Try chicken grit as an eco-friendly alternative to salt
One way that homeowners, businesses, HOAs, and community organizations can help to reduce water pollution from winter salt is by using chicken grit as a no-salt alternative.
Read More
Fish, with a side of anti-depressant?
How and why are chemicals like estrone, DEET, cocaine, antidepressants, oxycodone, and veterinary antibiotics ending up in our lakes and rivers?
Read More
East Metro Water 