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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.

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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Low water makes it harder to play on Minnesota lakes

Low water makes it harder to play on Minnesota lakes

Going to the lake is a time-honored summer tradition in Minnesota. But this summer, low water on some Minnesota lakes makes launching watercraft more of a challenge than usual.
by Dan Gunderson

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Drought stresses Minnesota crops, streams and lawns

Drought stresses Minnesota crops, streams and lawns

Farmers in parts of the state are watching crops shrivel in the heat, and homeowners consider whether to keep their lawns green.
by Dan Gunderson

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Court sends PolyMet permit back to state environmental regulators

Court sends PolyMet permit back to state environmental regulators

A state court on Monday sent a key air emissions permit for the planned PolyMet mine back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a setback in the company’s bid to open the state’s first copper-nickel mine.
by Dan Kraker

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Hot, dry conditions show no sign of letting up in Minnesota

Hot, dry conditions show no sign of letting up in Minnesota

Heat and drought conditions are forecast to continue this week in Minnesota, with temperatures climbing into the 90s across much of the state and little rain — putting additional stress on crops and expanding the threat of wildfires. 
by Riham Feshir

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St. Cloud looks to restore old stormwater tunnel for bats

St. Cloud looks to restore old stormwater tunnel for bats

The project will build a new, rerouted storm sewer to replace an existing brick-and-mortar tunnel built in the 1920s. That old tunnel will be restored to provide critical habitat for bats facing population declines due to a deadly fungal disease.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Deepening drought prompts Minnesota to step up response

Deepening drought prompts Minnesota to step up response

Minnesota officials have stepped up their drought response as the state grows drier. The drought is threatening water supplies and agriculture, and raising the risk for more wildfires.
by The Associated Press

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Des Moines faces extreme measures to find clean water

Des Moines faces extreme measures to find clean water

For years, Des Moines Water Works has tried without success to get farmers upstream to reduce fertilizer runoff that leaves rivers with sky-high nitrate levels. Now, it’s considering a drastic measure that, as a rule, large cities just don’t do — resorting to wells to find clean water.
by The Associated Press

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