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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.

In Mille Lacs, divers go deep to uncover lake’s trash problem

In Mille Lacs, divers go deep to uncover lake’s trash problem

On Mille Lacs, Minnesota’s second-largest inland lake and a premier fishing destination, concern has been growing over garbage left behind by ice anglers and other lake users. Divers from a nonprofit group based in Lake Tahoe, Nev., recently spent two weeks taking a closer look at Mille Lacs’ submerged litter to better understand where it’s coming from, and how to prevent it.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Aquatic invader starry stonewort discovered in Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Aquatic invader starry stonewort discovered in Whitefish Chain of Lakes

The DNR says starry stonewort was found in Rush Lake, near the city of Crosslake in Crow Wing County. It’s the first time the invasive algae has been confirmed in the Whitefish chain.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Bringing back ‘bio supermarkets’: Program helps landowners restore vanished wetlands

Bringing back ‘bio supermarkets’: Program helps landowners restore vanished wetlands

Wetlands help prevent flooding, filter nutrient pollution, store carbon and provide wildlife habitat. But many have disappeared due to draining and filling. A partnership between the federal government and a nonprofit is helping willing private landowners restore wetlands in the Upper Mississippi headwaters.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Lottery-related ballot measure awaits Minnesota voters

Lottery-related ballot measure awaits Minnesota voters

A group of 130 environment, conservation and business groups is working to raise awareness about the measure, which seeks to extend the distribution framework for proceeds first authorized decades ago.
by Dana Ferguson

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State looks to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater from 3M’s Cottage Grove plant

State looks to limit ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater from 3M’s Cottage Grove plant

It will be the first time Minnesota has required an industry to limit PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in its wastewater. 3M’s Cottage Grove plant, the epicenter of the global PFAS problem, has been operating under a permit that expired more than 20 years ago.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Richard and Mary Gallea spent 20 years transforming their property on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes to a colorful native landscape. It’s helped to keep their lake clean. Here’s how they did it.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

State and local agencies are investigating the source of a substance that left a two-mile long sheen on the Mississippi River on Tuesday between Coon Rapids and Fridley. A second, smaller sheen was detected Wednesday.
by Dan Kraker

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On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

Environmental advocates are tapping into Minnesotans’ passion for loons to focus attention on how lake health and natural shorelines are vital for the survival of Minnesota’s beloved state bird.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Water treaty between Mexico and U.S. faces biggest test in 80 years

Water treaty between Mexico and U.S. faces biggest test in 80 years

The water-sharing systems between Mexico and the U.S. are facing one of the biggest tests in their 80-year history after Mexico has fallen behind on billions of gallons of water deliveries.
by Bria Suggs

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