MPCA Releases 2026 Draft Impaired Waters List

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today released the draft 2026 impaired waters list (IWL), which identifies lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands across Minnesota that do not currently meet all water quality standards. The MPCA proposes adding 46 new impaired bodies of water and removing 45 impairments from bodies of water from the IWL, the most removals in a two-year cycle since the state began the IWL program in 1992.

With this year’s additions, more than 100 impairments in bodies of water will have been removed from the IWL, demonstrating long-term restoration progress.

This year’s list assessed and reviewed the Cannon River, Nemadji River, Leech Lake River, and Grand Marais Creek watersheds, among others throughout the state.

Common issues in these watersheds throughout central and west central Minnesota include conditions that stress fish and insect populations, such as poor habitat, sediment, and nutrients. These impairments led to studies and plans to restore the waters to meet standards.

List available now for public comment
We encourage people to provide public comments through July 22, 2026.

Minnesota’s draft impaired waters list, assessment manual, and revisions to appendix A of the statewide mercury TMDL will be on public notice through 11:59 p.m., July 22, 2026. The MPCA invites Minnesotans to submit comments on whether we should add or remove any lakes, rivers, or streams from the list. The MPCA also invites Minnesotans to attend one of several public meetings about the list.

The MPCA’s impaired waters list webpage has the list itself and information about impairments, upcoming public meetings, and how to comment.

As required by the federal Clean Water Act Minnesota develops a list of impaired waters every two years. The MPCA will submit the draft 2026 list to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will make the final decision on approving the list.