Whether for drinking or recreation, maintaining access to clean water is crucial for the state. In the wake of contamination found in Flint, Mich., Dayton has found a topic that resonates. By ending Water Action Week on Earth Day, he’s doubling down on the message.

The problem cannot be ignored.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, more than 40 percent of the state’s waters are considered impaired, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports invasive species have infested more than 550 lakes statewide.

At the same time, water treatment plants and other water systems need work that smaller communities cannot afford. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates Minnesota is $11 billion behind in maintaining its water treatment and delivery systems for the next 20 years.

Findings like these fuel concern when we see Minnesota House Republicans propose slashing the governor’s proposed $1.4 billion bonding bill to about $600 million. It’s hard to imagine the $220 million sought for water-quality initiatives will remain intact after such a cut, especially with the state’s surplus dollars already being eyed for potential tax reform and other state spending.

Maintaining quality water standards isn’t only about healthy drinking water, which should be enough to inspire aggressive action.

Protecting our waterways is also about ensuring future economic growth in the region. The quality of our water has an enormous impact on the quality of life in our region and state, even in counties without natural lakes.

Regardless of how they were formed, our lakes, rivers and streams provide countless recreational activities that attract short-term visitors, but they also help encourage others to consider the state and region as home.

With a growing workforce shortage, it’s important to consider all efforts that can help make Minnesota a destination for visitors, as well as those seeking quality jobs and a quality way of life.

Protecting our water quality needs to be one of those efforts.