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.

Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River
State and local agencies are investigating the source of a substance that left a two-mile long sheen on the Mississippi River on Tuesday between Coon Rapids and Fridley. A second, smaller sheen was detected Wednesday.
On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores
Environmental advocates are tapping into Minnesotans’ passion for loons to focus attention on how lake health and natural shorelines are vital for the survival of Minnesota’s beloved state bird.
In NW Wisconsin, a county finds paying homeowners to keep shorelines natural pays off
Advocates concerned about Minnesota’s vanishing wild shorelines often cite Burnett County’s success with a program that sends a check each year to property owners who follow its lakeshore rules. At Warner Lake, it’s helping keep the water clean.
‘Quit mowing’: Turning Minnesota lake homeowners into shoreline stewards, one lawn at a time
A program born in the Brainerd Lakes Area to protect natural shorelines and curb pollution also wants to reset Minnesota’s lake culture. It’s led by property owners, including some who helped create the current environmental problems.
Unchecked development, lax regulation push Minnesota lakeshores to the edge
Development has destroyed nearly half the natural shorelines that help protect Minnesota lakes from erosion and pollution. Reversing that means convincing people that their vision of beauty is killing the thing they love.
Protecting Minnesota’s vanishing natural shorelines
Many Minnesota lakes are in trouble. Nearly half of our state’s natural shorelines have been lost. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how to prevent shoreline erosion on the lakes we love.
Restored tribal land ends uncertainty for a family living on Mille Lacs Lake
Members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe say they have lived on the same parcel of land on the southside of Mille Lacs Lake since before it was claimed by the state for the school trust. This year the state passed legislation restoring the small parcel to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
1 million gallons of ash wastewater spilled from northern Minnesota coal plant
Duluth-based Minnesota Power says it is working closely with state and federal agencies after an estimated 1 million gallons of coal ash wastewater leaked from a pipeline at Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset into a nearby lake.