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.

'Aggressive' plan aims to separate crops from waterways
Buffers help prevent agricultural runoff, but some farm groups see requiring them as a taking of their land.
MPCA warns lower water standards could lead to federal oversight
MPCA officials warned that a bipartisan push at the Capitol to ease state water pollution standards could lead the federal government to assert control of water rules.
Lawmakers want final say on water quality rules
Republicans and Democrats from the Iron Range and other parts of the state want to give the Legislature -- not scientists -- the power to set water protection measures.
Your daily dose of Minnesota politics and policy.
New standards for MN mine delayed for wild rice study
The MPCA had planned to release proposed sulfate standards for U.S. Steel's Minntac plant this month, but decided to wait for a state study on sulfates and wild rice.
U.S. Steel fights new environmental standards for MN mine
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is set to propose new standards for U.S. Steel's Minntac Facility in Mountain Iron, but the company has launched an aggressive fight against them.
More carbon, more misery for allergy sufferers
Allergy sufferers feel the effects of climate change, getting a double whammy from the mechanism that's making Minnesota warmer and wetter.
DNR pushes ahead with its groundwater planning
The DNR's new approach makes it clear the agency retains ultimate authority over groundwater pumping but promises that stakeholders will get all the information they need.
Farmers adapt to big rains but send trouble downstream
Confronting more frequent heavy rains, the state's farmers have extended farmland drainage. Higher crop yields is one result. Another: More dirty water is flowing downstream.