What is an aquifer?
A map showing different types of aquifers which provide groundwater to the Upper Midwest.
Map courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey
This week the city of Chanhassen issued a watering ban after three of its 11 wells failed, pumping sand or air instead of water.
The underground aquifers that the southwest suburb draws on, like others around the metro area, haven't been able to recharge because of the drought conditions blanketing most of the state.
MPR's Steven John talked with Chris Elvrum, the water supply planning manager for the Metropolitan Council, to get a primer on aquifers.
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