Minnesota's list of polluted waters grows by more than 500

Every couple of years the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency puts together a list of the state’s polluted (or “impaired”) lakes and rivers. This year’s list is has 511 new names. There are now 3,643 bodies of water that are considered too polluted for swimming or fishing.

But the MPCA’s announcement notes there are a few waters – thirteen, to be exact – that it’s taking off the list because they’ve been cleaned up.  The agency also provides a map where you can look up your local stream.

One stalwart on the list of impaired waters is the Minnesota River, which is considered one of the 20 most polluted waterways in the country. A tour showcasing that river’s problems was held this summer and Finance & Commerce went along.