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.

Dispatch from southeast Minnesota
Elizabeth Baier, who covers Southeast Minnesota for Minnesota Public Radio News, reviews stories on her beat during Morning Edition with Cathy Wurzer.
Mining pollution may be hurting Minn's wild rice
High levels of sulfates released from Minnesota's mining industry are suspected of diminishing Minnesota's native wild rice beds. The state is reconsidering its current standard for sulfate in wild rice waters, but until recently it hasn't been enforcing the existing standard.
In Lake Superior, a problem algae lies dormant - but why?
Researchers are collecting samples of Didymo, an alga, to try to determine why it has choked out life in streams in South Dakota and New Zealand, but is relatively harmless in Lake Superior.
Bright Ideas with Lois Quam
One of Minnesota's most successful business people Lois Quam sits down with Stephen Smith for a conversation as part of MPR News' Bright Ideas program.
Monitoring Minnesota's lakes
State and federal researchers are taking a very detailed look at some Minnesota lakes, including Lake Carlos, near Alexandria, Elk Lake in Itasca State Park and Trout Lake in Cook County, to monitor the effects of climate change and pollution.