Live Better: State Fair Water Conservation Contest

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- A booth at this year's State Fair aims to get Minnesotans thinking about the way we use water.

It's all part of this year's Minnesota Idea Open that gives Minnesotans the chance to solve some of the state's problems.

Carleen Rhodes is the president and C.E.O of Minnesota Community Foundation, which has teamed with Pentair for this year's contest.

"We picked water because it's something we as individual citizens can act on. We can do something. We can take action if we have some ideas," Rhodes said.

The Minnesota Community Foundation received 100 entries in all. They all answered the question: What would you do with $15,000 to make a difference in the world of water.

It is now down to three finalists. One is a retired farmer that wants to recruit other farmers to learn water conservation. Another is a theater production that would help kids preserve water. And another is a canoe library where you could check out kayaks.

"Really what's fun about this process is innovative ideas come from unexpected places," Rhodes said.

Fairgoers can help select the final winner at the booth. You can also vote online, here.