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.

Stakes high for mining projects with Dayton's DNR pick
Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to announce soon his choice for Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. The stakes are particularly high in Northern Minnesota where controversial new mining projects pit water quality against the promise of new jobs.
Legislature critical of Minn. ground water clean-up plan
A long-term plan to clean up Minnesota's ground water got a chilly reception at its debut at the Minnesota Legislature this morning.
Harvesting wetlands to improve water quality
Manitoba is trying a new approach to reducing phosphorus in Lake Winnipeg.
Dispatch from southeast Minnesota
Elizabeth Baier, who covers Southeast Minnesota for Minnesota Public Radio News, reviews stories on her beat during Morning Edition with Cathy Wurzer.
Mining pollution may be hurting Minn's wild rice
High levels of sulfates released from Minnesota's mining industry are suspected of diminishing Minnesota's native wild rice beds. The state is reconsidering its current standard for sulfate in wild rice waters, but until recently it hasn't been enforcing the existing standard.
Report: Minn. could better care for its water resources
A report from the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota concludes that Minnesotans should to invest in efforts to ensure clean water and a healthy ecosystem.
The report says many of the state's water rules are inadequate, others are ignored, and that the state needs a more comprehensive approach to water.
In Lake Superior, a problem algae lies dormant - but why?
Researchers are collecting samples of Didymo, an alga, to try to determine why it has choked out life in streams in South Dakota and New Zealand, but is relatively harmless in Lake Superior.
Bright Ideas with Lois Quam
One of Minnesota's most successful business people Lois Quam sits down with Stephen Smith for a conversation as part of MPR News' Bright Ideas program.
Here are some details in what's in the bill.