Condition of Minnesota's Lakes, Rivers, and Streams

Minnesota has more than 12,000 lakes and 92,000 miles of rivers within its boundaries. The state’s water abundance gives us our national identity.

However, we know the condition of less than one-fifth of our water bodies. Despite the requirement of the federal 1972 Clean Water Act that states assess the condition of all their waters, only 20 percent of our lakes and about 12 percent of our stream miles have been tested to see if they are clean enough for swimming, safe fish consumption, and to support healthy aquatic life. Of the waters Minnesota has tested, about 40 percent have failed to meet water quality standards established to protect these uses.

The reason for Minnesota’s lack of water quality testing has been a lack of resources. During the past 10 years, the state has spent approximately $1 million annually to assess its lakes and streams, while the annual need actually exceeds $8 million per year. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy has pushed for increased resources to test all Minnesota’s lakes and rivers for years. 

In 2007 and 2008, the Minnesota Legislature responded, increasing water quality monitoring dollars to over $3 million per year.  Passage of the 2008 Clean Water, Land, and Legacy constitutional amendment should allow sufficient funds to fully assess all of Minnesota’s waters at least once every 10 years, the maximum time period for which assessments remain scientifically valid.