Essay
The Mississippi river is one of the most significant natural resources in Minnesota, encompassing many lakes and streams surrounding it. The river plays a huge role in the ecological balance, and it begins in Minnesota which is why it's important we keep it clean.
Because the river begins here, we carry a special responsibility to keep its waters clean and healthy. Millions of people and wildlife species depend on the Mississippi River for fresh water, but its water quality is threatened Due to agricultural runoff, invasive species and shoreline erosion it degrades the water quality. Ensuring the long-term health of the Mississippi River Basin is not only an environmental priority but a critical investment in Minnesota’s future.
Bill HFl206 is trying to get more funding for the Mississippi River Basin to support restoration, research and conservation efforts. The funding would help improve getting the water to a cleaner state and help restore the wildlife habitats. It would also provide more support for coordinated research working towards priority lakes and streams clean.
The Mississippi River Basin program's goal is to reduce nitrate in the Mississippi river by 30% by 2030. Nutrients leaking from farm fields and water pollution of all kinds threaten drinking water, biodiversity and recreation throughout the basin. These pollutants not only harm Minnesota lakes and streams but also have created a hypoxic dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico where marine life struggles to survive. There are effective technologies that remove nutrients from wastewater as well as programs that help farmers implement conservation practices to reduce runoff. With funding, these solutions can be expanded.
Nitrates and algal blooms in drinking water sources can drastically increase treatment costs. For example, nitrate-removal systems in Minnesota caused supply costs to rise from 5-10 cents per 1000 gallons to over $4 per 1000 gallons. Reducing nitrate pollution now can prevent the rising drinking water costs. Having cleaner water affects Minnesota's tourism and recreation industries related to fishing and boating activities, as bodies of water have been affected by nutrient pollution. It also supports property values that are dependent on clean water. Clean water can raise the value of a nearby home by up to 25 percent. Waterfront property values can decline because of the pollution.
Passing bill HF1206 would provide both economic and environmental benefits for not only Minnesota but the entire region connected by the Mississippi. Environmentally, having cleaner water restores habitats, supports healthier ecosystems and floodplains and improves the biodiversity across lakes, streams, and wetlands. Reducing the nutrient pollution would help stabilize fish populations and strengthen the wildlife.Economically, it would support agriculture reducing nutrient fertilizer runoff, protecting downstream fisheries and the dead zone and surrounding properties with healthy water. Funding bill HF1206 Minnesota would invest in a healthier environment and more sustainable economy. Please vote yes.