Water Quality

Northern Township is planning to assess Lake Bemidji residents to build a new wastewater treatment facility, and the nearby city of Bemidji is looking to annex the same properties.

Halfway through the Pine River One Watershed One Plan, the soil and water conservation district is updating its goals.

With Northern Township planning to assess residents living along Lake Bemidji for a new wastewater treatment plant, the city of Bemidji is petitioning to annex and connect the same residents, who say questions about real costs for either project are unanswered.

The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust said the deal, years in the making, covers more 8,200 acres across nine counties between Walker and Duluth.

Township officials estimate more than 300 people attended the informational meeting on incorporation into a new city on May 7, 2025.

In a resolution passed unanimously on April 21, 2025, the Bemidji City Council also issued a notice of intent to annex Northern Township property around the lake.

Chris Lahn presented on 50 years of aspirations to wrap sewer services around the highly developed Lake Bemidji during a BSU Earth Day event on April 22, 2025.

While MN does have regulations on nitrate levels in drinking water, advocates say nitrogen thresholds for lakes and rivers are long overdue.

The Minnesota Public Facility Authority, under the Department of Employment and Economic Development, issued more than $265 million in clean water loans and grants.

The county was allocated $472,193 by the Minnesota Legislature to assist in the prevention and spread of aquatic invasive species within county lakes and rivers in 2025.