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.

Prosecutors drop Flint water charges, promise fresh probe
Prosecutors dropped all criminal charges Thursday against eight people in the Flint water crisis and pledged to start from scratch the investigation into one of the worst man-made environmental disasters in U.S. history.
On record-high lakes, cabin owners' dreams underwater
Most of the Minnesota rivers that flooded this spring have returned to more normal levels. But some lakes around the state remain historically high, causing property damage, eroding shorelines and frustrating lake property owners.
New appreciation for a Minnesota fish long considered junk
Some fish get no respect -- like carp, sheepshead and freshwater drum. Anglers call them junk fish. But one junk fish is proving to deserve respect -- and possibly the protection afforded to prized game fish.
Microplastics have invaded the deep ocean -- and the food chain
Giant gyres of plastic in the ocean grab headlines, but it's the tiny bits of plastic that scare scientists. And they've made their way everywhere, a new study finds -- including in our seafood.
Wolves, deer and a new state bee: How the environment fared at the Legislature
There was a lot of give-and-take at the last minute between the DFL-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate. Some provisions -- like establishing grants to get kids outdoors -- made it through, while others -- like lifting the state's ban on new nuclear power plants -- were abandoned.
Flame retardant ban becomes state law
It bans the manufacture and sale of mattresses, children's products, upholstered furniture and residential textiles, such as window coverings, that contain certain flame retardants.
Farmers testing new fertilizer alternative: Bacteria
Farmers across the country are putting a genetically modified bacteria in the ground this spring to help corn plants use naturally occurring nitrogen. The goal is to eventually replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.
McCollum seeks study on Twin Metals' potential to pollute Canada
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum wants the federal government to examine the pollution risk posed to Canada from a proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota near the Boundary Waters.
Lawmakers crafting budgets turn to dedicated funds
Some environmental groups say lawmakers are turning with greater frequency to the dedicated Legacy and lottery funds to cover expenses that had, in earlier years, been paid for through more traditional means.