ST. PAUL, MN – Standing beside the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish Pond at the Minnesota State Fair, Governor Mark Dayton today announced a “Year of Water Action” Stewardship Pledge, which will last throughout the year. The pledge calls for Minnesotans to rethink how water impacts daily life and the lives of future generation; to use water efficiently and wisely in everyday activities; to learn more about what individuals can do to protect and preserve water; to make informed consumer choices; and to talk to one another about water protection and preservation. 

 

“As I travel across Minnesota, I hear frequent concerns about the quality of our state’s water,” said Governor Dayton. “The future of clean water in Minnesota is dependent on the action we all take now. That is why I am asking all Minnesotans to join me, in pledging to protect and preserve clean water throughout our state.”

 

Minnesotans will be able to take the Water Stewardship Pledge at multiple locations during the State Fair, including at the DNR Exhibit, the Eco Experience building, and the Agriculture Horticulture Building. Throughout the year, Minnesotans will also be able to take the pledge online by visiting mn.gov/governor/issues/wateraction/.

 

Governor Dayton’s “Year of Water Action” Stewardship Pledge, announced today, asks Minnesotans to affirm their commitment to:

 

·         Rethink how water impacts daily life, and the lives of future generations

·         Use water efficiently and wisely in everyday activities

·         Learn more about what people can do to protect and preserve water

·         Factor water use efficiency and protection into choices as a consumer

·         Talk to others about clean water protection and preservation

 

When Minnesotans take the pledge, they can also get tips on “5 Things Minnesotans Can Do” and “5 Things Kids Can Do” to protect and preserve Minnesota’s water.

 

Minnesotans are encouraged to use social media to find additional tips and share their own stories on how they are preserving and protecting Minnesota’s water by using #WaterActionMN.

 

On August 18, 2016, Governor Dayton kicked off a "Year of Water Action" at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park.

 

Governor Dayton called on Minnesotans to work together to find solutions to keep Minnesota’s water clean and accessible to everyone. Despite the state’s abundance of lakes, rivers, groundwater and streams, more than 40 percent of Minnesota’s waters are currently listed as impaired or polluted.[1] Damaging aquatic invasive species have infested more than 550 lakes statewide.[2] The water treatment plants and clean drinking water systems that make Minnesotans’ water safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in, are also in serious disrepair. Some communities still rely on wooden pipes, installed over 100 years ago, for their drinking water. In fact, Minnesota is $11 billion behind in just maintaining our aging water treatment and delivery systems over the next 20 years.[3] And initial testing indicates that 60 percent of the wells in Central Minnesota may not provide safe drinking water.[4]

 

While state and local governments can play an important role in protecting and conserving water quality, these public entities cannot do it alone. It’s up to Minnesota families and private industry to lead the way with most land privately-owned and private water usage comprising the majority of consumption in the state. The locally-lead efforts of soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, civic groups and individual landowners are essential to protecting and conserving water quality.

 

Throughout the next year, Governor Dayton and his Administration will travel the state to raise awareness of the many issues affecting water quality and highlight ways that Minnesotans can take action to preserve and protect it. Each month will focus on a different facet and important role water plays in our state’s health, economy and overall way of life.