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.

September 17, 2013 4:37 PM

Ely highway reroute bogged down by safety, environmental concerns

A long-awaited highway safety project by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to improve Highway 169 could make the road safer for drivers. But progress has been slowed by concerns over potential water pollution.

by Dan Kraker

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September 13, 2013 7:00 PM

Great Lakes program inspires rare bipartisanship

For all their indignation about government overreach, Republicans in the eight-state region are matching Democrats' enthusiasm for an array of federal programs benefiting the Great Lakes.

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September 10, 2013 4:00 AM

Fertilizer by-product an unhealthy, expensive risk to water quality

Fertilizer use in farming is so prevalent that at least two dozen Minnesota communities have unhealthy levels of its by-products in their drinking water supplies. Crop researchers say there is a proven solution: perennial crops which absorb nitrates. But not many farmers have adopted the method.

by Mark Steil

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September 8, 2013 6:00 PM

Many more Minnesota farms relying on irrigation for bigger yields

So far this year, farmers have applied for 466 irrigation permits -- more than twice the number of applications in all of last year. And data compiled by state officials show many farmers hope to irrigate even more of their fields.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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September 8, 2013 5:19 PM

Well water samples to be collected in Anoka County

The Department of Natural Resources will collect water samples from private wells in Anoka County this fall. It's part of the Minnesota Geological Survey.

by Stephanie Hemphill

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August 28, 2013 6:57 AM

Light-rail tunnel foes see water table, environmental issues

The Met Council has proposed three options for the new rail line to be built from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Two options involve tunnels -- either a shallow or a deep tunnel under part of the Kenilworth corridor in southwest Minneapolis.

by Brandt Williams

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August 26, 2013 12:00 PM

Mixed results in voting to set taxing districts around Minnesota lakes

Minnesota Lake residents continue to challenge the establishment of Lake Improvement Districts, with mixed results. A LID has the authority to levy fees, or taxes based on property value. The money can be used to improve water quality. The spread of aquatic invasive species has prompted more lake property owners to ask for the authority to Read more →

by Dan Gunderson

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August 3, 2013 10:25 AM

Ag Dept. seeks input on cutting nitrate levels in well water

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is asking for public comment on a plan to reduce unsafe nitrate levels in drinking water. Much of the nitrate load comes from agricultural fertilizers.

by Mark Steil