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.

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.
Smelt wrestling, carp trains and other local fish tales
Where did lutefisk come from? And why did Congress ship Minnesota carp by the carload? Eric Dregni's book, "Let's Go Fishing!", shares fishy trivia and traditions from around the region.
Barrier completed to block Asian carp from Great Lakes
Environmental officials are celebrating the completion of a nearly 2-mile-long, 80-foot-wide earthen berm designed to keep Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.