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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.