MINNESOTA WATER OUTLOOK SURVEY

Survey Results Show Clean Water is the Top Issue Uniting Minnesotans

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Key Insights

In a time of division, one issue unites Minnesotans: clean water.

86% of Minnesotans say protecting water is very or extremely important

Clean water is who we are: 85% consider clean water part of our state’s identity, ranking it above all other listed state issues

Water is seen as our state’s legacy: 95% believe we must protect it for future generations.

A circular progress bar showing 86%, over a scenic view of a lake and forest with a clear sky, with text stating "Believe protecting water is very or extremely important."

A water scene at sunset with the sky reflecting on the water, overlaid with an infographic showing 85% and the message 'Believe clean water is part of our state's identity.'

Two people standing on a dock by a lake at sunset, with a progress circle showing 95% and text below reading 'Believe we must protect water for future generations.'

Yet, most Minnesotans don’t know it’s at risk.

More than half (58%) are unaware of nickel mining’s impact on water

Only 16% know about a proposed nickel mine threatening bodies of water near the mine and watersheds in the metro area and along the Mississippi River

Aerial view of a landscape with a large circular infographic showing 58% and the text 'Are unaware of nickel mining's impact on clean water' at the bottom.

Aerial view of a lake and a winding road through a forest with trees in fall colors, overlaid with a circular graphic showing 16% and text encouraging awareness of proposed nickel mine threats to watersheds and the Mississippi River.

The data is clear.

Clean water matters to Minnesotans. Together, we can protect IT.

Download the Survey Report

Survey Methodology

Water Over Nickel’s Minnesota Water Outlook survey polled 1,000+ Minnesotans in March 2025 across all ages, genders, and key regions. The participant population was designed to be representative of the State of Minnesota