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.

How rethinking design could reduce the need for road salt
Eden Prairie is a pilot city testing low-salt design. The concept is to plan streets and buildings so ice and melted snow don't accumulate in places where people walk and drive, reducing the need for deicing salt that pollutes lakes, rivers and streams.
Latest EPA assessment shows almost no improvement in river and stream nitrogen pollution
The EPA’s newest assessment of water quality and nutrient pollution in U.S. rivers and streams shows almost no progress on cutting the nitrogen pollution that comes primarily from farm chemical runoff.
Minnesota finds increased health risk from ‘forever chemicals’
The Minnesota Department of Health has lowered the levels at which perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water pose a health risk. Officials said new research shows there is increased health risks from what are known as “forever chemicals.”
Report shows gain in Minnesota's wetland acres
Wetlands play a key role in improving water quality, storing floodwater, preventing erosion and providing habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. The recent gains are tiny compared to Minnesota’s historical wetland losses.