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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.

Water woes in California hit historic lows

Water woes in California hit historic lows

As the severe drought in California continues for a third straight year, water levels in the state's lakes and reservoirs are reaching historic lows. A series of recent images from the air help put the water shortage in perspective.

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Twin Cities environmentalists join fight over Cargill's Arkansas hog operations

Twin Cities environmentalists join fight over Cargill's Arkansas hog operations

Some of the anger over the facility comes from the fact that it's located on a tributary just six miles from the Buffalo River, an area they gets special protection from the National Park Service.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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U of M flushes toilets with rainwater

New student housing at the University of Minnesota includes a system for collecting stormwater from the roof and using it to flush the toilets for 600 students.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Minnesota starts to think about re-using wastewater

Minnesota starts to think about re-using wastewater

Treated sewage water is getting used again in a few places, watering golf courses, washing trucks and sweeping streets. The economics in a water-rich state make for slow change, but those who have tried it think it could be a way of the future.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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State: EPA wrong to reverse Mesabi Nugget ruling

The EPA approved the state's water quality variance for Mesabi Nugget in 2012, allowing the facility to exceed water quality standards for four pollutants: hardness, bicarbonates, conductivity and total dissolved solids. But the EPA reversed itself earlier this month.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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$50M pipe might not restore White Bear Lake levels

$50M pipe might not restore White Bear Lake levels

A draft of a report by the Metropolitan Council says shifting some suburbs' reliance from groundwater to Mississippi River water could cost hundreds of millions of dollars. It also says piping water from the river to raise levels in White Bear Lake would cost $50 million but leave officials uncertain of the impact.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Minnesota backers praise EPA carbon rules

Minnesota backers praise EPA carbon rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency isn't holding any of its carbon emission rule hearings in Minnesota. So supporters of the rules held their own.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Quest to save groundwater aims at love for lush, green lawns

Quest to save groundwater aims at love for lush, green lawns

Lawn watering is one of the biggest uses of groundwater in Minnesota, but a combination of technology, pricing and attitude change suggests that residents may be starting to change their behavior.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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11 ways to use less water on your lawn

11 ways to use less water on your lawn

Minnesotans are becoming more aware of the pressure on the state's groundwater resources. Here are 11 ways to use less water on your lawn.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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Crop switch could cost millions in water contamination

Crop switch could cost millions in water contamination

A University of Minnesota study says a recent switch from grassland to crops in southeastern Minnesota could increase the number of household wells contaminated with nitrates.
by Mark Steil

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