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.

Winter Play: The anticipation, anguish and magic of ice dipping
As MPR News staff fanned out across the state to experience cold weather activities they had never tried for the Winter Play series, Regina Medina and Elizabeth Shockman took a transformative plunge in Lake Harriet.
Land next to St. Anthony Falls could return to Dakota tribes
The nonprofit Friends of the Falls has unveiled early design concepts for creating a place of restoration, healing and connection to the water on the downtown Minneapolis site.
Study: Freshwater fish contain concerning levels of ‘forever chemical’
The researchers with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group calculated that eating one fish a year was equal to ingesting water with PFOS at 48 parts per trillion for a month, much higher than what the Minnesota Department of Health considers a safe level for drinking water.
Elko New Market's plan to tap aquifer for bottled water plant draws residents' ire
Leaders of the Scott County town say a California-based bottling company’s proposal would deliver jobs and growth. Critics worry it could jeopardize the health of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer in a region struggling already with severe to extreme drought.
White Earth Nation imposes moratorium on large livestock farms
The White Earth Tribal Council has imposed a moratorium on animal feedlots within the boundaries of the reservation located in northwestern Minnesota. It’s unclear how the moratorium will affect the regulatory process for such farms.
In an ever-brighter world, tourists travel north for truly dark skies
The fourth annual Dark Sky Festival begins Thursday evening in Cook County in far northeastern Minnesota, a region increasingly known for its astrotourism and a chance to see truly dark skies in an ever-brightening world.
Boil water advisory lifted near major water main break in north Minneapolis
Authorities on Tuesday morning issued a now-lifted boil water advisory for homes and businesses near the site of a major water main break in north Minneapolis. City officials said it may be days before crews can complete repairs to the main that dates back to the 1800s.
DNR to expand list of prohibited species in Minnesota
The Minnesota DNR wants to expand the list of prohibited invasive species. Thirteen species or species groups have been identified as high risk. The agency is currently taking public comment on the proposal.