The Water We Share: Minnesota's Nitrate Pollution Problem

Date and Time:
Tue, Oct 20, 2026; 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM  (Central)

Organized By: North Star Chapter

Location: Park Rapids Armory and Events Center, 203 Park Ave S, Park Rapids, MN

Map | Directions

When: October 20, 3-8pm

• Free Well Water Testing Clinic for Nitrate by the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO) from 3-5pm and 6:30-8pm
• Expert Panel Discussion from 5-6:30pm
• Refreshments and Organizational Tabling from 6:30-8pm

What: Learn more about nitrate contaminated water, where it comes from, how it impacts Minnesotans, and how we can stop this pollution at the source.

Where: Park Rapids Armory and Events Center, 203 Park Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Park Rapids is part of Minnesota’s Central Sands, a region comprised of 14 counties with sandy soils on which crops are grown. These soils make the region especially vulnerable to nitrogen pollution from agriculture because they allow excess fertilizer in the form of nitrates, to contaminate ground and surface waters. An analysis of state water data shows that lakes, rivers, and groundwater in the Central Sands are polluted with alarmingly high levels of nitrates, regularly at or above levels shown to be harmful human health.

This community conversation will bring together impacted individuals, public health researchers, and policy experts to discuss the impacts of nitrogen pollution and potential solutions. In addition, the Minnesota Well Owners Organization will be providing free well water testing for nitrate to determine if your water is safe to drink.

The RSVP page will be updated with speaker information and a more detailed run of show closer to the event. Reach out with any questions to mkaplan@nrdc.org.

Partner Organizations: Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Prairie Woods and Cass County Chapters of the Izaak Walton League, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Sierra Club North Star Chapter, CURE

RSVP