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.

Zebra mussels found in Lake Minnetonka
A local resident found some young zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka, and the Department of Natural Resources says it's likely a population has been reproducing for at least a year.
The St. Croix River: Balancing nature with development
The scenic character of the St. Croix River has made it a magnet for rapid development -- and the pollution that comes with it. The job of cleaning up the St. Croix largely falls to local officials, who are looking for more ways to balance development with conservation.
After recovery in '90s, oil now threatens Lake Pontchartrain
Oil from the ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico is seeping into Lake Pontchartrain north of New Orleans, threatening another environmental disaster for the huge body of water that was rescued from pollution in 1990s.
Years of wet weather leads to high water on some lakes
High water caused by nearly two decades of wet weather is threatening lakefront property in some northern Minnesota counties. Many of the lakes affected don't have a natural outlet and water is now far above what's considered the ordinary high-water level.