Minnesota River Nonpoint Study
Publisher:
MPCA, Division of Water Quality
The Minnesota River nonpoint study was designed to determine the sources of nonpoint source pollution entering the Minnesota River and its tributaries. To accomplish this task the researchers used a literature search, two water quality field surveys and historical monitoring data.This study determined the following: The topography of the Minnesota River Basin ranges from flat o gently undulating. The watershed is predominately rural with cropland being the most significant land use. Streambank erosion is most critical in the Blue Earth River watershed. Mean annual precipitation increases from west to east. Stream flows vary greatly with seasonal changes. Drainage has altered the watershed's response to precipitation. Water quality in the Minnesota River is generally a function of loading, streamflow and precipitation. Seasonal trends in pollutants concentrations are evident. Most BOD in the Minnesota River can be attributed to carbonaceous compounds in suspended organics. Nonpoint sources are generally the source of suspended organics