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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.

Eau Claire shuts down wells due to PFAS contamination

Wisconsin Public Radio reported Tuesday that the city announced in July that it had shut down four of its 16 wells after tests found PFAS levels exceeded the groundwater standard of 20 parts per trillion as recommended by state health officials. Now the city has closed down three more wells after more tests showed they're contaminated with a mix of PFAS chemicals.
by The Associated Press

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California pipeline may have been damaged up to a year before spill

California pipeline may have been damaged up to a year before spill

An underwater oil pipeline off the Southern California coast was likely damaged by a ship’s anchor several months to a year before it ruptured and sent oil spewing into the ocean and then onto some of the area’s best-known beaches, investigators said Friday.
by The Associated Press

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Meet MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn 

Meet MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn 

Host Angela Davis talks with MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn about covering water, the environment and other issues from central Minnesota. 
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Crews race to limit damage from major California oil spill

Crews race to limit damage from major California oil spill

Crews on the water and on shore worked feverishly Sunday to limit environmental damage from one of the largest oil spills in recent California history, caused by a suspected leak in an underwater pipeline that fouled the sands of famed Huntington Beach and could keep the beaches there closed for weeks or longer.
by The Associated Press

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Scientists seize chance to study phosphorus in low Minnesota River

Scientists seize chance to study phosphorus in low Minnesota River

During this year’s drought, the Minnesota River dropped to near historic low levels. Those low flows created optimal conditions — last seen in 2012 — for researchers to collect data on phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants, and its effects on the river’s health.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Minnesota DNR launches new hearing process for PolyMet mine

Minnesota DNR launches new hearing process for PolyMet mine

Minnesota regulators have launched a court-ordered process for assessing the risks to clean water from waste from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.
by The Associated Press

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Watershed managers keep your basement from flooding — extreme weather swings are making it harder

Watershed managers keep your basement from flooding — extreme weather swings are making it harder

Changing rainfall patterns and more extreme weather swings have made water managers’ jobs difficult. They moderate lake and creek levels to prevent flooding and pollution.
by Paul Huttner

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Minnesota farmers tap technology to conserve water in drought

Minnesota farmers tap technology to conserve water in drought

It's been a tough year to be a Minnesota farmer trying to keep crops alive during the worst drought in decades. But many are using new tools and research to be smarter and more efficient about how much water they use, and when.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Drought sparks interest in water-saving alternatives to thirsty lawns

Drought sparks interest in water-saving alternatives to thirsty lawns

The University of Minnesota’s turfgrass research team is studying and promoting different types of grass that require less water and chemicals, but still thrive. 
by Kirsti Marohn

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'Forever chemicals' found in groundwater near military bases

'Forever chemicals' found in groundwater near military bases

An environmental group says groundwater around at least six military installations in the Great Lakes region is contaminated with high levels of PFAS chemicals. The Environmental Working Group says Pentagon records show the compounds have been discovered in water around bases in Michigan, New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
by The Associated Press

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