(UPDATE 11/5/2013) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a report on the Importance of Water to the U.S. Economy (PDF, 37 pp, 2MB). The report highlights water’s importance to our national economic welfare, and summarizes information necessary to understand and manage water resources. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released their Draft Groundwater Strategic Plan (GWSP) to […]
Archive for the ‘Good to Know’ Category
Comments invited on the Minnesota Strategic Plan for Groundwater Management
October 30th, 2013 
knowtheflow 
Posted in Announcements, City of Blaine, City of Centerville, City of Circle Pines, City of Columbia Heights, City of Columbus, City of Fridley, City of Hilltop, City of Lexington, City of Lino Lakes, City of Spring Lake Park, Good to Know 
Comments Off on Comments invited on the Minnesota Strategic Plan for Groundwater ManagementMississippi River nutrient reduction strategy
October 18th, 2013 knowtheflow Water is among Anoka County’s most valued natural resource. Anoka County is part of the Mississippi River watershed. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota’s tourism and economy depend on healthy waters that provide recreational opportunities, safe drinking water, productive agriculture, healthy fish and wildlife habitat. The goal for Minnesota water is to be fishable and […]
Posted in Announcements, City of Anoka, City of Columbia Heights, City of Coon Rapids, City of Fridley, City of Ramsey, Good to Know Comments Off on Mississippi River nutrient reduction strategy
Outdoor stockpile management: get ready for fall and winter
October 14th, 2013 knowtheflow It’s common to find materials stockpiled outside including: Auto parts in salvage yards Appliances, electronics and drums at solid waste facilities Lumber at sawmills, flooring mills or wood-preserving facilities Sand or de-icing salt at building/road maintenance facilities Topsoil/soil/gravel from excavations at sand and gravel facilities If your facility stockpiles these or similar raw materials, proper […]
Posted in Announcements, Good to Know Comments Off on Outdoor stockpile management: get ready for fall and winter
Guidelines for drinking water protection at seasonal establishments and events
October 12th, 2013 knowtheflow As the temperature drops people move inside leaving cabins, golf courses, water parks and baseball diamonds empty until spring. It also means closing up seasonal wells and water dispensers at parks, campgrounds, golf courses and outdoor catered events. Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services Department encourages operators of seasonal water well systems and on-site water […]
Posted in Announcements, Good to Know Comments Off on Guidelines for drinking water protection at seasonal establishments and events
Businesses required to take Aquatic Invasive Species training
October 7th, 2013 knowtheflow Businesses that rent, lease or decontaminate boats or other water-related equipment are now required to attend Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training and acquire a permit under a state law change that took effect in July. “Before this change, the law applied only to businesses such as marinas, dock haulers, boat clubs and others who install […]
Posted in Good to Know, Workshops and Classes Comments Off on Businesses required to take Aquatic Invasive Species training
Practice healthy swimming behaviors to stay cool and safe
July 12th, 2013 knowtheflow (Update 7/14/2013) If in doubt – stay out. Recent high temperatures and rain can combine to create harmful blue-green algae in lakes and ponds. This type of algae can harm pets, livestock, and even people. Not all blue-green algae are toxic, but there is no visual way to predict whether a blue-green algal bloom contains […]
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July is Smart Irrigation Month
June 28th, 2013 knowtheflow July is historically the peak water demand month because of increased lawn and crop irrigation. Smart irrigation practices and systems makes every drop of water count by minimizing the waste from over-watering and evaporation. For more information about how to efficiently irrigate your lawn contact your water utility or go to the Smart Irrigation Month […]
Bike with a Mississippi River Ranger
June 1st, 2013 knowtheflow Join National Park Service rangers on a bicycle ride at the Coon Rapids Dam and along the Mississippi River. The 10 mile ride include stops along the way. This three hour, family friendly, ride features stops where rangers talk about history, natural resources, and recreational opportunities of the area. Bikers will uncover the rich history and […]
Studies find chemicals widespread in lakes and rivers
May 19th, 2013 knowtheflow Prescription medicines and personal care products are ending up in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, according to recently released Minnesota Pollution Control Agency studies. The mosquito repellent DEET was the most often detected, along with chemicals used in antidepressants and antibiotics. The chemicals were all detected at very low concentrations, in the low parts per trillion. […]
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Plan ahead to celebrate Arbor Day
March 24th, 2013 knowtheflow Governor Dayton has proclaimed April 26, 2013 as Arbor Day and May 2013 as Arbor Month. Each year, on the last Friday of April, and throughout the month of May, Minnesotans recognize the value of trees, forests and the natural resources they represent. Trees brighten the environment by moderating climate, improving air and water quality, conserving water […]
Posted in City of Andover, City of Blaine, City of Columbia Heights, City of Coon Rapids, City of Ham Lake, City of Ramsey, Good to Know Comments Off on Plan ahead to celebrate Arbor Day