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.

Watershed managers keep your basement from flooding — extreme weather swings are making it harder
Changing rainfall patterns and more extreme weather swings have made water managers’ jobs difficult. They moderate lake and creek levels to prevent flooding and pollution.
Minnesota farmers tap technology to conserve water in drought
It's been a tough year to be a Minnesota farmer trying to keep crops alive during the worst drought in decades. But many are using new tools and research to be smarter and more efficient about how much water they use, and when.
'Forever chemicals' found in groundwater near military bases
An environmental group says groundwater around at least six military installations in the Great Lakes region is contaminated with high levels of PFAS chemicals. The Environmental Working Group says Pentagon records show the compounds have been discovered in water around bases in Michigan, New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Well drillers struggle to keep up with demand for water
The drought is drying up wells in some parts of the state, but that’s just one of the factors that have well-drilling contractors scrambling to keep up with demand, and some customers waiting months for a new well.
'You pray for rain': Low rivers stressing irrigators, recreationists — and potentially, critters
Rivers across the state are very low because of the severe drought encompassing much of the state. That's affecting a lot of people who rely on rivers and streams for their livelihood.
Finding climate history in the river bottom
The current drought is helping researchers who are studying the history of flooding in the Red River Valley. They’re collecting samples of old trees buried in the muddy river bottom to help build a regional climate picture going back hundreds of years.