The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has scheduled a series of public informational meetings throughout the state during May and June to present information about the proposed Groundwater Protection Rule (GPR) and the rulemaking process. The public is invited to attend these meetings. It is important to note that these meetings are informational only; they are not part of the official rulemaking process.

The goal of the Groundwater Protection Rule is to work with local farmers to reduce elevated nitrate levels in groundwater and ensure Minnesota residents have clean, safe, and reliable drinking water supplies. Nitrate is one of the most common contaminants in Minnesota’s groundwater; elevated nitrate levels in drinking water can pose serious health concerns for humans. The proposed rule, which is based on the input of the farmers and landowners who the rule would apply to, as well as other interested persons, would regulate the use of nitrogen fertilizer in areas of the state where soils are prone to leaching and where drinking water supplies are threatened.