In order to facilitate meaningful, rational debate and better communication between citizen and government, the more important aspects of the water pollution problem in Minnesota are discussed in elementary terms. Important problem areas discussed include (1) water quality problems in densely populated areas, (2) eutrophication and pollution on lakes, (3) agricultural pollution, and (4) industrial pollution. The role of federal, state, and local governments in water quality control is outlined. Numerous technical terms commonly used in discussions of water quality control are carefully defined.