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.

Boil water order lifted in Minnesota city after water main breaks repaired
The days-long saga included workers battling subzero temperatures to repair the breaks, distribution of drinking water from city offices, and Stephen-Argyle Central High School students helping out by placing straw bales to insulate temporary water lines.
'Deja vu all over': Two Harbors fights again over Lighthouse Point development
It’s been twenty years since residents of the small North Shore town waged a battle over a plan to build homes next to its historic lighthouse along the shore of Lake Superior. Some are again raising concerns about a new proposed development.
Study: Harmful algae blooms like it hot, but can occur in cold water
A new study finds that harmful algae blooms — typically associated with warm water temperatures — can also occur in cooler conditions, even under ice.
These Minnesotans farm ice — and it’s drawing climbers from across the U.S.
Ice farming is the art and science of making climbing ice on cliffs. Minnesota has three city-owned parks with volunteer-run ice farming systems for climbing, more than any other state in the country.
MPCA says polluted runoff contributed to fish kill in Minnesota trout stream
State regulators say polluted runoff likely contributed to a fish kill in a southeast Minnesota trout stream last summer. About 2,500 dead fish were discovered in late July in Rush Creek, near Lewiston.
Searchers locate 153-year-old wreck of 'bad luck' ship in Lake Superior
It wasn’t a charm, but the third time — a third sinking — is what finally sealed the fate of the sailing vessel Nucleus in 1869. Now, searchers have found the wreck of the Nucleus, surprisingly intact, in the depths of Lake Superior.