Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes might look picture-perfect, but some are dealing with more than just a little murkiness these days. From unwanted algae blooms to water that’s not quite swim-ready, a few of these beloved spots have seen better days.
While our fair state is, of course, known for its prestine outdoor lakes, rivers and streams, not all of those waterways have the best water quality. And thanks to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) , we now know the most polluted bodies of water here in the Bold North.
When it comes to lakes, it *is* tough to beat us here in Minnesota , right? And while our famous slogan says there are 10,000 lakes in our state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) points out that Minnesota is actually home to 11,842 lakes . (I’m not sure why we don’t update that slogan; maybe it’s because the slogan ‘Land of 11,842 Lakes’ isn’t as catchy.)
ALSO INTERESTING: Here are the Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Minnesota
But not all of them are filled with those crystal blue waters we usually associate with heading up north to the lake in Minnesota. In fact, several bodies of water are routinely classified as polluted and land on the MPCA’s list of the Most Impaired Waters…