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.

Fargo-Moorhead well-prepared for spring flooding
The cities of Moorhead and Fargo are preparing for significant spring flooding. Officials are not sure how high the water will get — the late spring melt has delayed the flood and rain is in the forecast this week. But the communities say they are better prepared than at any time in the past.
Searchers locate two of three shipwrecks from 1914 Lake Superior tragedy
Three ships from a giant lumber company’s fleet foundered in a Lake Superior storm in 1914, with the loss of all 28 crew members. Now, more than a century after the tragedy, searchers have found two of the three vessels.
Two Harbors council nixes proposed townhomes
The Two Harbors City Council has rejected a concept plan to build high-end townhomes on Lighthouse Point along Lake Superior. The controversial proposal rekindled memories of a fight over a similar development 20 years ago.
Drop in water temperature causes fish kill near Monticello nuclear power plant
Authorities say fluctuating water temperatures in the Mississippi River following the shutdown of Xcel Energy’s Monticello nuclear power plant have killed more than 200 fish. Company and state officials said the fish kill is not the result of tritium.
What we know about the Monticello nuclear plant tritium leak
State and Xcel officials announced earlier this month that 400,000 gallons of water contaminated with tritium leaked from a water pipe between two buildings at the the Monticello nuclear power plant. MPR News asked what questions you have about tritium, water safety and nuclear power. Here’s what we found out.
Canada pledges Great Lakes funding after Trudeau-Biden talks
Some members of the U.S. Congress and advocacy groups had complained that Canada has done too little to help clean up the lakes, which suffer from industrial toxins, invasive species, harmful algae and other problems.
Bayport riverside residents prepare for possible flooding
The National Weather Service said major flooding is likely in several areas of Minnesota this year. In the town of Bayport, just south of Stillwater, residents who live close to the St. Croix River are doing what they can now to prepare for high water.
On Madeline Island, residents aim to preserve their ferry lifeline
A warming climate and the gradual loss of the ice road on Lake Superior has made the Madeline Island Ferry an even more essential lifeline for residents and tourists. Now the town of La Pointe, Wis., is trying to buy the service to ensure it runs well into the future.