As a leading agricultural state with more surface waters than any other of the 48 contiguous states and an abundance of clean drinking water, Minnesota is committed to helping farmers, homeowners, and industry protect these water resources.
Under the Comprehensive Groundwater Protection Act of 1989 our agency regulates most matters relating to pesticides and fertilizers. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is also responsible for or involved in many water quality programs and initiatives under the Minnesota Clean Water Land and Legacy Act. Clean Water Fund activities include several research projects, water monitoring and other initiatives to minimize impacts to our waters and make cleanup efforts more effective.
A variety of programs are in place to monitor the presence of nitrate and pesticides in Minnesota's groundwater and surface water.