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.

Coming soon to an atlas near you: A fifth ocean
National Geographic has recognized the Southern Ocean as the fifth official ocean. The cartographic update doesn't surprise researchers who study the importance of the waters surrounding Antarctica.
Protesters maintain blockade overnight at Line 3 pipeline site
Protesters fighting the Enbridge Energy company’s push to replace an aging oil pipeline across northern Minnesota maintained a blockade at a pump station Tuesday as part of a summer drive to stop the project before it can go into service.
Line 3 opponents occupy Enbridge pump station as protest ramps up
Hundreds of activists gathered Monday near the headwaters of the Mississippi River to protest the ongoing construction of the new pipeline, which will replace a line that's been carrying Canadian tar sands oil across northern Minnesota since the 1960s.
EPA alerts Wisconsin, Fond du Lac Band that PolyMet mine 'may affect' their waters
The EPA is required, under the Clean Water Act, to alert a state if it determines a project in another state might have the potential to affect its water quality. The mine would be located near Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes on the eastern side of the Iron Range in northern Minnesota.
Melting snow usually means water for the West. But this year, it might not be enough
Much of the West is in extreme drought, and a good spring snowmelt could bring relief. But drought and the warming climate make that less likely, putting the water supply for millions of people at risk.
New world record set on Mississippi River, but for how long?
A crew of paddlers took a canoe from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico faster than anyone in history — breaking a 20-year world record. But a second crew is hot on their heels.