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.

State officials promise tougher approach on nitrates contaminating groundwater
Minnesotans are spending millions of dollars to deal with nitrate contamination in their water, and the state agriculture department says it's time to insist that farmers do more to prevent the problem.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is explaining its reversal of a decision that would have given a Minnesota iron pellet facility more time to comply with water quality laws.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's new web page allows people to look up specific bodies of water to be connected with information about everything from swimming conditions to fish consumption to invasive species.
Study: Chemicals spreading in Minnesota groundwater
A state and federal study of Minnesota's groundwater has found increasing evidence of consumer and other chemicals known as 'contaminants of emerging concern.'
Deluge doesn’t end groundwater concern
The recent heavy rains have been a drought-buster, leaving Minnesota entirely drought-free for the first time in a long time. But that’s not the same thing as ending concern about the state’s groundwater, Jim Stark, director of U.S. Geological Survey in Minnesota, told MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition today. Aquifers — water-containing rock…
Minn. program rewards farmers who keep pollutants from waterways
A Red River Valley farming operation became the first to be certified under the Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, which rewards farmers who go the extra mile to reduce pollution.
Golf courses turn to water technology
Golf courses are looking at better technology, not only to let them use stormwater for irrigating grass but to better determine how much water to use and what grass might use less. University of Minnesota professor Brian Horgan explains.
Golf courses start to reuse stormwater to keep grass green
One of the first places Minnesotans are starting to find ways to reuse water is on the golf course. Two Twin Cities suburbs have launched projects to capture stormwater and use it for irrigation.
Your take: The Tucson water use model
MPR News' water reporting from Tucson generated a strong response from listeners and readers. Hear what some said about potential lessons for Minnesota and join the conversation.