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.

August 3, 2020 4:00 AM

University of Minnesota lab to study size, force of boat wakes

University of Minnesota researchers plan to launch a study this fall of wakes created by recreational boats, hoping to provide insight into their impact on Minnesota lakes and shorelines.

by Kirsti Marohn

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June 14, 2020 5:33 PM

Study finds pharmaceuticals, other chemicals in remote Minnesota lakes

The chemicals were often found in lakes that receive discharged water from wastewater treatment plants. But they also turned up in remote lakes with little or no human development, sometimes at levels similar to more populated lakes.

by Kirsti Marohn

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May 22, 2020 4:00 AM

Meet the Minnesota scientists trying to track COVID-19 spread — through sewage

Two University of Minnesota researchers are looking for the virus in wastewater — even before test results reveal its presence in a community.

by Kirsti Marohn

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May 11, 2020 3:15 PM

Coalition pleads for money to fix Minnesota's aging pipes

A new coalition of cities, business and labor leaders and environmental groups is calling on the state Legislature to provide at least $300 million to repair aging water infrastructure throughout the state.

by Kirsti Marohn

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May 6, 2020 4:30 PM

Opponents file new challenge to proposed Twin Metals mine

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in federal court in Washington, D.C., alleges the Bureau of Land Management should have prepared an in-depth environmental impact statement but conducted only a limited review.

by The Associated Press

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May 4, 2020 6:38 PM

More PFAS foam found in Twin Cities' Battle Creek

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is advising people to keep away from foam in the east Twin Cities metro-area creek, after samples of it have again tested positive for elevated levels of the chemicals known as PFAS.

by Kirsti Marohn

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May 4, 2020 3:07 PM

Dispute over environmental fund leaves projects on wolves, weeds and mussels in limbo

Dozens of projects benefiting Minnesota’s natural resources are now in limbo because of a political dispute at the state Legislature. At the center: An ongoing disagreement over whether a state trust fund should be used to pay for wastewater treatment projects.

by Kirsti Marohn

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April 23, 2020 8:45 PM

U of M researchers to study whether coronavirus could get into drinking water

Two University of Minnesota researchers plan to study whether the coronavirus could be traveling from wastewater into drinking water supplies — and posing a potential health risk.

by Kirsti Marohn

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April 23, 2020 8:48 AM

Climate change threatens Great Lakes shoreline with erosion

Climate change is increasing erosion on what’s known as the nation’s “third coast” — the Great Lakes shoreline. And that’s threatening beaches, parks and other recreation areas used by people from cities across the region.