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.

EPA says 'further actions' needed to protect human health from nitrate in southeast Minnesota
Environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying nitrate in the groundwater in southeast Minnesota’s karst region — largely from fertilizer and manure applied to crop land — poses an imminent danger to human health.
New invasive crayfish found in Minnesota lake
An invasive crayfish new to Minnesota was found this fall in a lake near Alexandria. There’s no evidence the signal crayfish is reproducing in the lake, but it could pose a risk to lake ecosystems if a population is established.
Minnesota DNR gives Twin Metals green light to explore for minerals near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals, which has been blocked by the Biden administration in its efforts to build a $1.7 billion copper-nickel mine near Ely, Minn., now has the go-ahead to explore for minerals in the area owned by the state of Minnesota.
Southeast Minnesota struggles for common ground on nitrate pollution as health worries rise
In a petition filed in April, environmental groups asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use its emergency powers under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to intervene in what they call an “imminent and substantial endangerment to human health.”
Camp Ripley testing finds 'forever chemicals' in nearby wells
Of the 30 wells tested, all had some level of PFAS chemicals, but only one had PFAS above the federal recommended limit for drinking water of 70 parts per trillion.
Lead found in water at Lino Lakes prison; DOC says testing indicates no risks at Stillwater
Minnesota prison officials say preliminary results from a new round of testing show the water at the Stillwater correctional facility is safe to drink — but testing at a different state prison, in Lino Lakes, found lead in some of the water there.
As Hurricane Lee churns off the eastern U.S., another danger lurks: rip currents
Over the last ten years, rip currents have killed more people in the United States than tornadoes or hurricanes. This year has already been particularly bad with 76 deaths reported through August.