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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.

State looks to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater from 3M’s Cottage Grove plant

State looks to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater from 3M’s Cottage Grove plant

It will be the first time Minnesota has required an industry to limit PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in its wastewater. 3M’s Cottage Grove plant, the epicenter of the global PFAS problem, has been operating under a permit that expired more than 20 years ago.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Richard and Mary Gallea spent 20 years transforming their property on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes to a colorful native landscape. It’s helped to keep their lake clean. Here’s how they did it.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

State and local agencies are investigating the source of a substance that left a two-mile long sheen on the Mississippi River on Tuesday between Coon Rapids and Fridley. A second, smaller sheen was detected Wednesday.
by Dan Kraker

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On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

Environmental advocates are tapping into Minnesotans’ passion for loons to focus attention on how lake health and natural shorelines are vital for the survival of Minnesota’s beloved state bird.
by Kirsti Marohn

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In NW Wisconsin, a county finds paying homeowners to keep shorelines natural pays off

In NW Wisconsin, a county finds paying homeowners to keep shorelines natural pays off

Advocates concerned about Minnesota’s vanishing wild shorelines often cite Burnett County’s success with a program that sends a check each year to property owners who follow its lakeshore rules. At Warner Lake, it’s helping keep the water clean.
by Kirsti Marohn

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‘Quit mowing’: Turning Minnesota lake homeowners into shoreline stewards, one lawn at a time

‘Quit mowing’: Turning Minnesota lake homeowners into shoreline stewards, one lawn at a time

A program born in the Brainerd Lakes Area to protect natural shorelines and curb pollution also wants to reset Minnesota’s lake culture. It’s led by property owners, including some who helped create the current environmental problems.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Unchecked development, lax regulation push Minnesota lakeshores to the edge

Unchecked development, lax regulation push Minnesota lakeshores to the edge

Development has destroyed nearly half the natural shorelines that help protect Minnesota lakes from erosion and pollution. Reversing that means convincing people that their vision of beauty is killing the thing they love.
by Kirsti Marohn

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