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.

What's your favorite lake in Minnesota?
What lake in Minnesota is your favorite? Help MPR News explore why so many Minnesotans are captivated by and connected to one of the thousands of lakes that add to our state's greatness.
Regulators stand behind controversial wild rice rule
At issue is a water quality standard Minnesota adopted in 1973 that limits how much sulfate can be discharged by wastewater treatment plants, iron ore mines, paper mills, or other facilities, into waters where wild rice grows.
Can woodchips, wetlands clean polluted Vermillion River?
The iconic Dakota County river has struggled for decades with nitrate runoff from local farms. Watershed experts are experimenting with an approach that may aid the Vermillion and other Minnesota waters, if it works.
Crucial habitat has been cut apart, alien species have invaded places, chemicals have hurt plants and animals, wetlands and mangroves that clean up pollution are disappearing, and the world's waters are overfished, one scientist says.