#United States #Clean Water #Minnesota #nickel mining #Mille Lacs Band

Clean Water: A Unifying Concern for Minnesotans

In an era where environmental issues dominate discussions, a recent initiative led by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has unveiled that clean water is Minnesota's most pressing concern. The Water Over Nickel initiative, which aims to safeguard the state’s water resources, released the results of the Minnesota Water Outlook survey, the first of its kind, assessing the collective view of over a thousand Minnesotans on water health.

Survey Findings

Conducted in March 2025, the Minnesota Water Outlook survey sampled over 1,000 residents from various demographics, providing a comprehensive overview of public sentiment regarding clean water. A staggering 86% of those surveyed consider protecting water resources to be a top priority. Moreover, the data indicates that 85% of participants believe clean water forms an essential part of Minnesota's identity, ranking it higher than any other social or environmental issue tackled in the survey. An overwhelming 95% emphasize the necessity of preserving clean water for future generations, underscoring the collective responsibility they feel towards this precious resource.

Awareness Gaps in Understanding Risks

Despite this strong connection, the survey also highlighted concerning gaps in awareness regarding environmental threats. Most notably, 58% of respondents were unaware of how nickel mining could jeopardize water quality, and only 16% were informed about a proposed nickel mine that might threaten water sources along the Mississippi River and in metropolitan areas. This suggests that while Minnesotans care deeply about their water, there exists a crucial lack of knowledge that could have dire consequences for their environment.

Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, stated, "This data confirms that clean water is at the heart of who we are as Minnesotans. However, it also reveals a critical gap in understanding. We have an opportunity for Minnesotans to learn more about the risks posed by nickel mining practices and explore alternative, sustainable solutions, before it's too late."

The environmental impact of nickel mining is backed by research showing that the metal mining sector was responsible for 44% of all toxic emissions in the United States, with a staggering 1.43 billion pounds released, mainly through on-site waste disposal. For Minnesota, where much of the land is characterized by its water-rich ecosystems, the implications of nickel mining are particularly alarming. The proposed Tamarack Mine in Aitkin County, earmarked for development, lies upstream of vital drinking water sources, amplifying concerns about its impacts on both human and ecological communities.

Voices from the Community

Kathryn Hoffman, CEO of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, expressed strong convictions about the perils of mining in water-abundant regions: "There has never been a clean nickel mine. These operations create acid mine drainage that threatens aquatic life, groundwater, and sacred ecosystems. The science is clear—nickel mining in water-rich environments like Minnesota leaves lasting damage in the surrounding areas and communities."

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Applegate reiterated, "Now is the time to take action. Protecting clean water is not just about the here and now; it is about preserving an irreplaceable resource for future generations. Once clean water is polluted, there is no going back."

The Water Over Nickel initiative is a concerted effort by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to address concerns surrounding nickel mining impacts while ensuring Indigenous perspectives are heard in this dialogue. Chief Executive Virgil Wind poignantly noted, "The decisions we make regarding Minnesota's water today will have ripple effects for generations. We don't inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

Next Steps for Minnesotans

As community leaders rally around the message of preservation, access to education on water safety and the risks posed by mining operations will be pivotal in shaping public understanding and action. The survey results indicate that there is a strong foundation to advocate for clean water initiatives, but it requires a strategic approach to educate community members about the potential hazards facing their water supply and to galvanize collective action toward sustainable practices. The Water Over Nickel initiative stands at the forefront of this mission, prompting residents not only to recognize the value of clean water but to actively safeguard it, securing a healthier future for Wisconsin residents and the ecosystem alike.

For more information on the Water Over Nickel initiative and how you can get involved, visit WaterOverNickel.com.