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.

Conservation group names Mississippi ‘most endangered’ U.S. river
The group American Rivers says the Mississippi faces threats including increased flooding and inadequate disaster prevention and response. In Minnesota, one environmental advocate says not much has been done to move the needle on the biggest source of pollution in the river — agriculture.
Health department issues new warning about eating fish from some Minnesota lakes with ‘forever chemicals’
The changes to the fish consumption guidelines affect about 44 water bodies in 10 counties, in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals widely used for decades in consumer products to resist water, stains and grease.
Tritium found in two more monitoring wells near Monticello nuclear plant
The utility has been working to recover radioactive tritium from as much as 900,000 gallons of contaminated water that leaked into the ground at its Monticello nuclear plant more than two years ago. The tritium levels in both monitoring wells are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's limit for safe drinking water.
Proposed cut in local aid to prevent aquatic invasive species sparks fears of more infested lakes
For the past decade, Minnesota has distributed about $10 million a year to counties for aquatic invasive species prevention. Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget reduced that amount by 50 percent. Some lake advocates worry cutting the funding could potentially lead to more infested waters.
Fate of Duluth lab unclear amid reports of possible closure of EPA’s research arm
More than 100 people work at the U.S. EPA lab in Duluth. It’s part of the agency’s Office of Research and Development, which the Trump administration is targeting for possible large-scale layoffs.
From bridges to water pipes, federal funding bill cuts hundreds of millions for projects across Minnesota
The continuing budget resolution signed by President Donald Trump Saturday ended the threat of a government shutdown; it also cut hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for local projects across Minnesota.
Former 3M property in Hubbard County will become a wildlife management area
Land owned by 3M on Mantrap Lake in Hubbard County, will be transferred to the state Department of Natural Resources later this year after being acquired through a partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust and Northern Waters Land Trust.
COVID boosted efforts to track diseases in wastewater
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater sampling wasn't routinely done for public health purposes. But as the case number climbed scientists and public health officials saw the value of getting a sneak peek of where the virus was spreading, and where the next hot spot might be.
New fines and awareness help reduce litter on Minnesota lakes, but advocates want more action
Lake advocates say a recent state law is helping curb the problem of trash left on Minnesota’s frozen lakes. But they're hoping for more action, including passage of a bill requiring state agencies establish a statewide “Keep It Clean” program and provide funding for local cleanup efforts.