Nearly from its inception, MCEA has focused on improving our polluted waters and protecting our pristine waters. Much of our work stems from the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act, which established the framework to make the nation’s waters fishable and swimmable.

MCEA works at state and federal agencies to ensure that Minnesota's lakes and streams are protected by scientifically sound water quality standards, are tested to see if they meet these standards, and that water discharge permits issed to businesses and government sewage treatment systems comply with the law and are as strict as possible. When necessary, MCEA files a lawsuit to bring about compliance. We also work at the state Capitol, seeking money and programs to protect water quality.

MCEA's Sigford to discuss lakes on Air America

Kris Sigford, long time MCEA water expert, will discuss Minnesota lakes and the pressure and pollution they face on Air America

Newspaper reports on MCEA struggle to clean up lake

A Sunday story in the St. Paul paper detailed MCEA's battle with the state to force clean-up of polluted Lake Winona.

Minnesota's water must be saved scientist tells MCEA's women's breakfast

Minnesota's rivers, lakes and groundwater still are polluted and too much water is wasted, a leading researcher said.

"We are all polluters," Frontline producer says

Hedrick Smith of Frontline, as well as MCEA's Kris Sigford, told 125 people why progress in cleaning lakes and rivers has slowed.

PBS' Hedrick Smith, MCEA's Sigford to discuss polluted waters

Hedrick Smith, producer of Frontline's "Poisoned Waters," will speak in St. Paul and MCEA's Kris Sigford will be on a panel to give the local perspective

New MCEA video shows how to limit Red River floods

MCEA's new video takes you through the Red River valley, showing new ideas that are in place and working to reduce flood damage, while also helping wildlife.

Water hearings: You talk, they listen

The public can tell officials how to protect Minnesota's groundwater, lakes and rivers at statewide hearings.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

A recent magazine piece reminds us all of how much the Mississippi River in Minnesota has improved.

Sick of invaders, groups tell Coast Guard to crack down on Great Lakes ships

Six environmental groups told the Coast Guard to quickly implement strict ballast water rules for Great Lakes freighters

Make state agency protect lakes and rivers, MCEA petitions feds

MCEA petitioned the U.S. EPA to force the state to write stronger water permits and eliminate straight-pipe septics