Order a printed copy. Minnesota s water benefited in the1990s from new efforts aimed at promoting conservation, protecting wetlands, preventing pollution from on-site wastewater treatment systems and correcting problems from leaking tanks and unsealed wells. A Minnesota Water Plan Assessment , just released by the Environmental Quality Board, reports progress in carrying out the 14 objectives relating to integrating water management, protecting and conserving water resources and focusing on lakes, wetlands, rivers and ground water contained in the 1991 Minnesota Water Plan. Minnesota s population, land use and water use are constantly changing, says board Chair Rodney Sando. This is why the Legislature charged the Environmental Quality Board with developing a statewide water plan every 10 years.
Progress is focused in key areas.
New approaches that use sustainable development principles, ecosystem management and basin management are unifying management efforts. Local water planning is progressing and is an integral part of most water efforts. Coordination is increasing and reflects a growing expertise at the local level. Computers are changing methods of educating, information sharing and accessing data with almost instant access through web sites and listservers. New or refocused monitoring is providing better information.