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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.

Finding climate history in the river bottom

Finding climate history in the river bottom

The current drought is helping researchers who are studying the history of flooding in the Red River Valley. They’re collecting samples of old trees buried in the muddy river bottom to help build a regional climate picture going back hundreds of years.
by Dan Gunderson

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Scientists look for clues to Lake Superior algae blooms

Researchers from Minnesota and Wisconsin are trying to figure out precisely what has caused the recent spike in blue-green algae blooms in Lake Superior. Six algae blooms have been discovered in the past decade between Duluth and the Apostle Islands, including one scientists just confirmed this summer.
by Dan Kraker

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Drought threatens to empty water wells in parts of Minnesota

Drought threatens to empty water wells in parts of Minnesota

Parts of Minnesota saw much-needed rain over the weekend, but it wasn't enough to break the ongoing drought. And the abnormally dry conditions are threatening some private water wells that rely on rain to recharge. In severe cases, shallow wells are out of water.
by Will Matuska

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Swimmers discover zebra mussels have invaded more Minnesota lakes

Swimmers discover zebra mussels have invaded more Minnesota lakes

About 3 percent of Minnesota lakes are infested with zebra mussels, although that number has been growing. They can compete with native species for food and habitat, change the ecology of the lake, cut swimmers’ feet and cause damage to water intake pipes.
by Kirsti Marohn

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New effort aims to hold back water to slow ‘flashy’ Minn. rivers

New effort aims to hold back water to slow ‘flashy’ Minn. rivers

Unlike this year, Minnesota often has had to contend with high water. Scientists attribute flash flows to more intense rain events and the loss of wetlands that act as natural sponges. New state funding aims to help landowners store more water on their land.
by Kirsti Marohn

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72% of Minnesota is now in severe drought

72% of Minnesota is now in severe drought

The hot, mostly dry conditions forecast through the end of July provide no relief to the dire situation. Water levels are low in many lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, including at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis.
by Nicole Mitchell

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