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 16, 2018 3:59 PM

U.S. Steel, state settle dueling lawsuits over Minntac water permit

Minntac's tailings basin, where mining waste is mixed with water and stored, has been operating under a permit that expired in 1992.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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February 16, 2018 12:56 PM

Meet the bloody red shrimp, Lake Superior's newest invasive critter

Bloody red shrimp are now in all of the Great Lakes. Monitoring continues but it doesn't appear the shrimp are spreading in Superior.

by Cody Nelson

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February 13, 2018 6:24 AM

Trump budget again targets regional water cleanup programs

For a second consecutive year, President Trump is trying to drastically reduce or eliminate federal support of cleanups for iconic U.S. waterways including the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.

by The Associated Press

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February 13, 2018 5:42 AM

Special elections don't change power balance

Two special elections Monday resulted in Democrats holding on to a Senate seat and Republicans keeping control of a House seat.

by Tim Pugmire

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February 2, 2018 4:00 AM

Think road salt won't reach your drinking water? Ask Madison

How much should Minnesotans worry about the water coming out of our taps? In the short term, probably not much. But you don't have to go far for a lesson on complacency.

by Cody Nelson

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January 29, 2018 10:00 AM

U study: Wetlands key to keeping harmful nitrates out of waters

A new University of Minnesota study found wetlands are providing a significant water quality benefit by keeping nitrates from crop fertilizer out of rivers.

by Kirsti Marohn

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January 27, 2018 10:00 AM

Minn. cities say they need $5 billion to fix aging sewers

Most of the cost is to fix aging or inadequate pipes and pumping systems. Stricter water quality regulations account for only about 5 percent of the funds needed.

by Kirsti Marohn

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January 25, 2018 1:04 PM

Minn. catching up on water recycling as groundwater supply shrinks

Officials and environmental groups see collecting, treating and reusing dirty water as a way to reduce demand on clean, drinkable water sources. More cities and businesses are catching on, but we aren't as far along as some states in the West.

by Kirsti Marohn

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January 17, 2018 4:00 AM

Free nitrate tests meet farmer resistance in Brown County

Brown County recently became the first Minnesota county not to accept the Department of Agriculture program after citizens voiced concerns that the data could be used to target farmers for additional regulations.

by Kirsti Marohn