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.

Appetites: The Water Bar
Northeast Minneapolis' Water Bar aims to share the importance and process behind getting clean tap water to your faucet, on demand.
Great Lakes group approves Waukesha's water request
The Wisconsin city's bid to pump about 8 million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan would be the first exemption to a part of a landmark compact designed to protect the Great Lakes.
Should farmers or city pay to clean the water? Iowa may decide
A Des Moines Water Works lawsuit could bring historic change to water regulation and farm economics across the country. A key question: Should farmers be held liable for the pollution draining from their fields?
Random acts of conservation: Water quality depends on farmers' willingness, not regulation
Roughly 40 percent of Minnesota's lakes and streams are polluted, mostly thanks to soil, fertilizer and other contaminants flowing off farm fields. With little regulation, reversing that trend is almost solely reliant on the goodwill of farmers.
Mississippi River carp barrier plan snagged by U internal dispute
Plans for an invasive carp barrier on the Mississippi River near Winona are caught in a dispute between a key scientist and the University of Minnesota. As a result, the future of the project is uncertain.
Trouble in the water: Can Minnesota stop polluting its lakes, rivers?
Minnesotans love their water, but are they willing to save it? Some 40 percent of the state's lakes and streams are polluted. Much of that is related to farming. At the Capitol, lawmakers are divided on how far to go to fix the problems.
Some news stories you may have missed over the weekend.
Trouble in the Water
Minnesota's identity is closely linked with the state's beautiful and abundant water resources. But some 40 percent of surface waters in the Land of 10,000 Lakes are polluted.
On Pelican Lake, a search for muskies, data and understanding
Minnesota officials are trying to respond to lawmaker and lake homeowner concerns about the DNR's muskie stocking program by gathering more data on the elusive fish. Getting that information requires patience, and electricity.