Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

Photos: Migrating tundra swans pause for food, rest along Mississippi
Thousands of migrating swans are flocking near Brownsville, on their 3,000-mile journey from the arctic to Chesapeake Bay.
Officials hope public-private plan speeds Red River flood project
Fargo-Moorhead leaders say work on a massive flood diversion project will move faster if a private contractor manages much of the project instead of the Army Corps of Engineers. It's a new approach for the Corps.
What's next for PolyMet mine?
Minnesota regulators are closer than ever to approving the state's first copper-nickel mine.
2nd train derails in Wisconsin in 2 days, spills crude oil
A Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed Sunday, spilling less than 1,000 gallons of crude oil and prompting evacuations in Wisconsin, the second day in a row a freight train derailed in the state.
Big trouble looms for California salmon - and for fisherman
Thanks to a blazing hot summer and unusually warm water, early counts of juvenile winter-run Chinook are at extreme low levels. To protect them, regulators may restrict ocean fishing.
DNR: PolyMet mine safeguards would protect NE Minn. environment
A milestone Minnesota Department of Natural Resources report says PolyMet's plans to control pollution from a proposed massive copper-nickel mine are sufficient to protect the region's natural resources. Critics are unlikely to agree.
Mine wastewater floods countryside in Brazil after 2 dams fail
The wave of mud was more than 8 feet tall as it overwhelmed houses, leaving a coating of mud and mineral waste. Rescue crews are still looking for survivors. At least one person has died.
Key question in PolyMet mine fight: Whose data to trust?
State officials today release their final environmental review of the proposed copper-nickel mine. But the report may not stop the debate over whether pollutants will flow away from -- or toward -- the Boundary Waters.
Why California may be setting an example for other water scarce places
September's water conservation numbers are in for California and they are remarkably good. What can the rest of the world learn from California's effort to address water shortages?