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.

March 25, 2022 4:00 AM

Bill would toughen penalties for water violators

The measure is a response to aquifer breaches during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline last year, which leaked millions of gallons of groundwater.

by Kirsti Marohn

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February 25, 2022 4:00 AM

The 'Winter Grab' delves into Lake Superior's seasonal secrets

Scientists have a pretty good understanding of what goes on in the Great Lakes during the summer. But they don't know nearly as much about Lake Superior and the other lakes during winter. And that’s where what they called the “Winter Grab" comes in.

by Dan Kraker

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February 15, 2022 6:16 AM

Corps of Engineers set to resume ice measurements on Lake Pepin ahead of shipping season

An annual rite of approaching spring in the Upper Midwest gets underway this week, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins measuring the ice thickness on the Mississippi River at Lake Pepin.

by Mark Zdechlik

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February 13, 2022 7:00 AM

Bills would ban ‘forever chemicals’ from cosmetics, cookware, ski wax

After the Minnesota Legislature passed a ban on so-called “forever chemicals” in food packaging last year, a DFL lawmaker wants to extend the ban on PFAS to more consumer products. But the bills face opposition from industry groups and chemical manufacturers.

by Kirsti Marohn

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February 10, 2022 4:00 AM

Scientists seek funding to look for toxic tire chemical in Minnesota waters

Minnesota scientists are seeking funding to investigate if a toxic chemical from tires is harming popular fish species. Researchers in Washington state have linked the recently discovered chemical in rubber tires to the sudden deaths of coho salmon.

by Dan Gunderson

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February 1, 2022 3:19 PM

Study: Larger waves from wakeboats need more distance from shore to reduce size, power

The sport of wakesurfing has been growing in popularity on Minnesota lakes, sparking concerns about shoreline erosion and other impacts.

by Kirsti Marohn

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January 26, 2022 4:00 AM

Forest Service slashes BWCA permits to protect wilderness. Some say the cuts go too far

Canoeists eager to take a summer trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can start making reservations Wednesday. But competition for those permits could be more intense this year after the Forest Service slashed the number of available slots.

by Dan Kraker

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January 11, 2022 4:00 AM

Longtime MPCA employee alleges retaliation over petroleum complaints

Mark Toso alleges that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency penalized him for raising concerns that its program for handling leaking petroleum tanks was failing to protect groundwater.

by Kirsti Marohn

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December 5, 2021 7:23 AM

Endangered mussels discovered in St. Croix River believed to be a century old

Researchers recently made an interesting discovery in the St. Croix River: a cluster of endangered native mussels — some still alive — that they believe are more than a century old.

by Kirsti Marohn