Water Facts:

Newly Listed "Impaired" or Polluted Lakes
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has added more than 100 lakes to its list of impaired lakes for 2010.


Newly Listed Lakes Infested With Invasive Species
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has formally listed more than 30 additional lakes infested with invasive species.



Impaired Waters

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 40% of rivers and lakes tested in recent years are legally “impaired,” meaning pollution in them exceeds clean water standards.

Mercury Pollution
Almost half of the “impairments” for Minnesota lakes and streams are the result of mercury pollution.


Percent Tested
Only 15-20% of Minnesota lakes and streams have been tested.


Consumption Advisory
Because of pollution, many lakes and rivers in Minnesota are under a fish consumption advisory from the State Department of Health.



Fishing Industry
Up to $3 billion a year is spent on recreational fishing in Minnesota. About 50,000 jobs in the state are supported by the fishing industry.


Inland Lake Facts
The largest inland lake in Minnesota is Red Lake at 288,800 acres or 451 square miles.


MN Miles of Lakes and Rivers
Minnesota has over 92,000 miles of streams and lakes.


Mother of Three Seas
Minnesota has been called “The Mother of Three Seas” because it is at the headwaters of the Hudson Bay, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico through the Mississippi River.


Groundwater for Drinking
More than 70% of Minnesotans rely on groundwater for drinking water.


Private Wells
Almost one million Minnesotans use private wells to obtain water for their homes.


Wetland Acreage
Between 1850 and 2003, Minnesota’s wetland acreage fell by approximately 50% from 18.6 million to 9.3 million acres.


10,000 Lakes
The land of 10,000 lakes actually has 11,842 lakes.