Over 40% of Minnesota waters that have been tested by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are polluted. Many contaminants pollute Minnesota's waters: human and animal waste, algae from too much phosphorus and other pollutants. Now a new group of toxins have contaminated our water system, including our drinking water–perfluorochemicals or PFCs.

Clean Water Action Alliance is determined to help Minnesotans achieve a health legacy. Working with 28 organizations from across the state in the Healthy Legacy coalition, we promote healthy lives by supporting the production and use of everyday products without toxic chemicals. We advocate for consumer education, business leadership, and protective policies to advance safe alternatives in Minnesota.

Over half of the electricity used in the United States comes from dirty coal-burning power plants. Coal is a major source of two of our most challenging pollution problems– mercury and Global Warming. Polluting power plants also use a lot of water. This is especially true for the large coal and nuclear power plants. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are homegrown, unlimited and produce no pollution. Yet less than 3% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind, solar and biofuels. To protect our air, our water and our health, we need to turn this around with a commitment to clean, renewable energy.

Top scientists warn that we must decrease Global Warming pollution 80% by 2050 in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change. We can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, making the switch to clean, renewable energy, increasing efficiency and use of alternative fuels for vehicles, increasing use of public transportation and immediately investing in energy efficiency and conservation measures. Clean Water Action is working to make the new energy economy a reality by advocating for strong, science-based policies in the State Legislature and Congress.

Minnesotans love our lakes, rivers and streams. We enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on our state’s beautiful waters. But polluters have succeeded in weakening the Clean Water Act, our waters’ best defense against degradation. EPA inaction and pro-polluter Supreme Court rulings have jeopardized the integrity of this landmark law. Without a strong Clean Water Act and strict enforcement our lakes, rivers and streams are at risk. Clean Water Action is fighting to restore the original intent of the Act—making sure all our waters are safe for fishing and swimming.

The Great Lakes are one of America’s–and the world’s–greatest natural wonders. Containing one-fifth of the world’s freshwater the Great Lakes are the foundation of health, economic vitality and recreation for millions of people. But the lakes that shape the way we live are in danger. Raw sewage is fouling our beaches. Development has destroyed wetlands that once protected our clean water. Invasive species are crowding out our Great Lakes fish and wildlife. Clean Water Action, as a leading member of the Healing Our Waters coalition, is working to protect the Great Lakes we love and clean them up for future generations to enjoy.