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.

3M vs. Minnesota: A primer for this major water pollution trial
Minnesota's attorney general is suing 3M for contaminating Minnesota's water with chemicals the company produced for decades. Here's what you need to know as the lawsuit begins.
All eyes on Minnesota as state readies fight against 3M in water pollution trial
East metro residents and observers from across the country will be watching closely as Minnesota's $5 billion lawsuit against 3M for polluting natural resources finally goes to trial after years of delays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.