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.

February 26, 2019 2:02 PM

Farm-caused pollution worsening on the Red River

A report on the health of the Red River finds that water rushing off of efficiently drained farm fields is bringing more sediment and phosphorus to the river. The runoff is harming aquatic life in the river and contributing to significant algal blooms downstream in Lake Winnipeg.

by Dan Gunderson

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February 20, 2019 2:30 PM

Solar for schools and 9 other state environmental budget items to watch

Gov. Tim Walz's budget proposal mostly maintains environmental programs, but there are some changes, such as a tax credit for farmers who install buffers along waterways and new spending on strategies to reduce food waste.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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February 20, 2019 7:05 AM

Fouled waters reveal lasting legacy of U.S. mining industry

Every day many millions of gallons of water loaded with arsenic, lead and other toxic metals flow from some of the most contaminated mining sites in the U.S. and into surrounding lakes and streams without being treated, The Associated Press has found.

by The Associated Press

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February 19, 2019 4:10 PM

Fond du Lac band angry over response to coal train spill

The band says it took four hours for Burlington Northern Santa Fe to notify the tribe Saturday, when 40 train cars overturned, spilling coal onto the frozen surface of the St. Louis River.

by Dan Kraker

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February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

Are there eco-friendly alternatives to road salt?

The chloride in road salt corrodes vehicles and bridges and can be harmful to pets -- and it has an outsize impact on water quality in the rivers, lakes and streams that capture its runoff. So now, public works agencies and homeowners alike are on the lookout for safer alternatives. A single answer has proven elusive.

by Kirsti Marohn

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February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

The unlikely contributor to Minn.'s greenhouse gas emissions: Your favorite lake

A biennial state report that assesses the greenhouse gases Minnesota emits now includes a newly understood source of the pollution that contributes to climate change.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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January 30, 2019 4:00 AM

Cold comfort: Subzero weather great for Minnesota's lakes

The frigid temperatures this week are keeping Minnesotans indoors, but there's a bright spot. Experts say bitterly cold weather actually can have positive impacts on lakes from curbing the growth of harmful algae to reducing water loss.

by Kirsti Marohn