We Are Water: Water Quality Protection in Otter Tail County
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May 16, 2022 – Otter Tail County, MN– Otter Tail County, MN– Otter Tail County is hosting an interactive traveling exhibit called We Are Water MN. The exhibit will be showcased at the Fergus Falls Public Library from August 18-October 10, 2022. The exhibit is free to the public and open during library hours. The event is a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to share the important relationships they have with water and learn about water in Minnesota and particularly in Otter Tail County.
Water protection in Otter Tail County
In a county with 1,048 lakes, protecting and improving water quality in Otter Tail County is a primary goal. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a “body of water is considered ‘impaired’ if it fails to meet one or more water quality standards.” Impairments may include mercury levels that lead to limits on fish consumption, nutrients that grow algae and/or sediment that clouds the water. Identifying impaired bodies of water is not an easy task in a state with over 10,000 lakes. Local volunteers along with members from the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Association monitor water quality in lakes throughout the county. Otter Tail County Land and Resource Management and the East and West Soil and Water Conservation Districts work to improve and conserve the water quality in the county. To learn more about these efforts and hear the story of local conservationists attend the We Are Water exhibit.
Test your water for nitrates!
Fee nitrate clinics sponsored by the East and West Otter Tail County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) will be held at the county fairs. Please bring a sample of your well water to the West Otter Tail County Fair on July 21 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. to have your water tested for nitrates. On July 22 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. you can have your water tested at the East Otter Tail County Fair. For more information about the many services your SWCD provides visit: eotswcd.org or wotswcd.org
Photo: Provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Join Us!
Let’s make 2022 the year of water in Otter Tail County and celebrate our relationship to water and our connections to each other! Look for upcoming We Are Water events such as an online photo contest in July, a day on the water paddling in August, and a booth at the county fairs. Schools and groups please contact Shannon at 218-671-3445 or [email protected] to reserve your day and time at the event. Volunteers will be at the exhibit to answer questions and provide additional resources. We Are Water webpage: ottertailcountymn.us/we-are-water-mn
About We Are Water
We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
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