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.

The illnesses occurred in young adults who reported swimming and boating in the Big Island area of the lake on July 4. One person was hospitalized and has since recovered.
Lake improvement districts help property owners protect water quality, fight invasive species
Property owners throughout Minnesota are increasingly turning to a new funding tool called lake improvement districts to protect water quality and fight the spread of invasive species. But the new taxes the districts levy are dividing residents around several Minnesota lakes.
Wipes in the pipes vex city sewers
If people really knew where the water goes when they flush the toilet, they might be a little more careful about what they throw in it.
Rain gardens challenge the suburban lawn culture
“This is crazy,” the man said as he and a colleague looked at the open pit in our front yard last week before turning to my wife. “I hope you like West Nile Virus,” he said. He was there to move the utility lines that stood in the way of one of 26 fascinating experiments…
Stopping water contamination requires new message
Don't flush your old prescription drugs. They pollute the state's waters. Officials and environmental leaders concede the public has heard mixed messages over the years about what to do with pharmaceuticals and other compounds that can contaminate lakes and rivers.