This water can be high in nitrate, but it is also potentially easier to control. In tiled cropland, most of the rainwater that ends up in surface water (ditches, streams) flows through tile drainage. The MPCA’s study shows elevated nitrate levels, particularly in the southern third of Minnesota. The MPCA conducted a study of nitrogen in surface waters so that we can better understand the nitrogen conditions in Minnesota’s surface waters, along with the sources, pathways, trends and potential ways to reduce nitrogen in waters. Proposed reductions in nitrogen will benefit both Minnesota waters and water downstream from us, particularly the oxygen-depleted “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. Nitrate (a form of nitrogen) in lakes, rivers, and streams is toxic to fish and other aquatic life in drinking water, it's potentially harmful to humans. The MPCA released a report on nitrogen pollution in 2013, indicating that agricultural fields using artificial subsurface drainage (drain tile) are a key source of nitrogen pollution to lakes and streams. Nitrogen is a key pollutant in state waters and its concentrations in both surface and groundwater have been increasing over time. Environmental Quality Information System (EQuIS).EDA: Guide to typical Minnesota water quality conditions.Small Business Environmental Assistance.
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