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.

Two lawsuits are seeking to overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant a water quality variance to the Mesabi Nugget iron processing plant near Hoyt Lakes, saying regulators violated the Clean Water Act and other federal laws when they approved it late last year.
As boaters head for the lakes this weekend, the Department of Natural Resources will be watching for violations of aquatic invasive species laws.
Stadium planners host environmental open house tonight at Metrodome
Fans, neighbors and others can get an up-close look at the impact the new “multi-purpose” stadium will have on the east end of downtown Minneapolis tonight. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority is hosting an open house to talk about its draft Environmental Impact Statement, a 389-page summary of the legal, environmental and historical situation that…
Clark Kelly plans to spend a lot of time on the links this spring. The Illinois farmer is plowing the Hend-Co-Hills Golf Course near tiny Biggsville into a cornfield.
Students around the world share science challenge
International students often believe Americans have unlimited resources. North Dakota State University Assistant Professor Achintya Bezbaruah, who is leading middle and high school students in clean water projects, said students from around the world are surprised to learn students in the United States face economic constraints.
Report card: Great Lakes still have big problems
A decades-old effort to nurse the battered Great Lakes to health has made progress toward reducing toxic pollution and slamming the door on invasive species, but the freshwater seas continue to face serious threats, a U.S.-Canadian agency said Tuesday.
Cocaine, DEET, other chemicals found in Minnesota lakes
The largest study of its kind ever done in Minnesota shows chemicals from household products, prescription drugs and illegal drugs are common in Minnesota lakes.
Panel: Structures may be needed to boost lakes
A U.S.-Canadian panel urged both nations Friday to consider installing water retention structures to boost levels on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, which fell to their lowest point on record in January and have lagged well below their historical average since the late 1990s.
Great Lakes water levels reaching record lows
The water levels on some of the Great Lakes are near all-time lows, including Lake Superior, according to a new report released Tuesday.