Watersheds and Water Quality in North Dakota

Watershed

A land area that drains water into a specific waterbody and eventually the ocean; it directly affects water quality.

Major watersheds in North Dakota

Mississippi Watershed and Winnipeg Watershed.

Minot, ND watershed

The Winnipeg Watershed.

Provinces and states in the Winnipeg Watershed

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario; parts of ND, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota.

Key facts about the Winnipeg Watershed

It's nearly

. km and home to 7 million people.

Nutrient pollution causes

Excess nitrates and phosphates from agriculture and sewage.

Artificial eutrophication

When excess nutrients cause algae blooms that die and deplete oxygen, creating dead zones.

Cyanobacteria

Blue-green algae that produces liver and brain toxins; thrives in warm, polluted water.

Prairie potholes

Small marshes that filter runoff water; 70% have been lost due to farming.

Invasive species

Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems and harm local species.

POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants)

Synthetic, carbon-based toxins that do not break down easily; found in pesticides, plastics, etc.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of toxins in an organism over time.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins up the food chain.

Harmful effects of POPs on humans

Risk of diabetes, birth defects, cancer, hormone disorders, and neurological issues.

Aquifer

A body of rock or sediment saturated with groundwater.

Aquifers in Minot

Minot Aquifer and Sundre Aquifer.

NAWS project

A water diversion from Lake Sakakawea to Minot to improve water quality and meet growing demand.

Max Biota Plant water treatment

To prevent the spread of invasive species and harmful chemicals into the Winnipeg Watershed.

Sources of phosphorus pollution

Sewage, agricultural fertilizer, and feedlots.

Ways to reduce phosphorus pollution

Inject manure deep, restore marshes, harvest cattails.

Netley-Libau Marsh importance

It filters phosphorus; filtering capacity has dropped from 75% to 25% since 1975.

Prairie potholes alternative name

"Kidneys of the Prairie" for their filtering function.

Minot's water treatment process steps

Remove debris, add coagulants, form sludge, filter with sand, add chlorine, fluoride, and possibly UV light.