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.

February 11, 2015 4:00 PM

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.

by Tom Scheck

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

February 5, 2015 2:00 AM

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.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

February 4, 2015 7:44 AM

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.

by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

February 4, 2015 4:00 AM

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.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

February 3, 2015 2:01 AM

As state warms, a few spots keep their cool

Even as northern Minnesota gradually grows warmer, some scientists are trying to find and preserve "cold spots" to sustain pieces of what defines the north woods.

by Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 14, 2015 3:37 PM

Minnesota to get $9M for agricultural water quality program

The program encourages farmers to adopt voluntary clean water practices. Those who get certified are assured that regulations won't change on them for 10 years.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

January 6, 2015 4:00 AM

Rural lawmakers to press housing, jobs, water issues at Capitol

From southwest Minnesota and across the state, greater Minnesota lawmakers have come to the Capitol hoping to help their communities. The new legislative session starts today.

by Mark Steil

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

December 11, 2014 6:09 AM

Corn Plus ethanol plant in Winnebago fined

Corn Plus has paid about $660,000 in state and federal penalties for air and water quality violations and agreed to environmental improvements costing nearly $700,000 since 2009.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

October 28, 2014 6:14 AM

Shifting rain could be lowering groundwater

New satellite data shows a decline in Minnesota's groundwater supplies and one scientist suggests a reason in addition to irrigation pumping might be that rain is falling at different times.

by Dave Peters