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.

Dakota women leading two Twin Cities nonprofits aim to be catalysts for change 
The Twin Cities are at the epicenter of a dynamic shift in the world of land stewardship and restoration work. Leading the charge are two nonprofit environmental organizations —Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi and Owámniyomni Okhódayapi — now both led by Indigenous women.  
Minnesota Farm Bureau seeks to engage urban ag producers
The Minnesota Farm Bureau is hosting its first urban agriculture conference this month in St. Paul. The century old ag organization is expanding efforts to advocate for farmers of all sizes.
Deteriorating ice creates dangerous conditions on Minnesota lakes
Ice conditions are deteriorating across the state because of warm temperatures and recent rainfall. Law enforcement officials and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are urging caution when venturing onto frozen lakes.
Along the North Shore, sleepy Silver Bay embraces development to put itself 'on the map'
Construction is set to begin on a nearly $25 million development of townhomes and vacation rentals in Silver Bay, the first of several projects to reinvent the city originally built as a mining company town.
Large invasive carp catch in Mississippi triggers worry, new calls for deterrent
There's no evidence yet that invasive carp are reproducing in Minnesota. Still, some environmental advocates say the DNR should move quicker to stop invasive carp from establishing a permanent presence here.
Protect, serve — and paddle? Ely tries North Woods pitch to recruit new cops
The city of Ely — the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area — has taken a creative approach to a statewide and national issue, by offering a $3,800 canoe package to help recruit and retain badly needed police officers.
'Pick it up': New Minnesota law aims to curb litter left on ice
Garbage left behind on frozen lakes is one of the biggest complaints conservation officers hear every year. The law, which took effect July 1, requires all trash to be placed in a container that's secured to an ice house or vehicle.
State agencies pledge new steps to reduce nitrate in southeast Minnesota
Last month, the EPA said state agencies need to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the nitrate problem in eight southeast Minnesota counties’ drinking water. In a letter Friday, commissioners of the departments of health, agriculture and the Pollution Control Agency promised to do more – but said they may need more federal or state money to do so.