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.

Flooding pushes Blue Earth County dam to ‘imminent failure condition’
The county says the rain-swollen Blue Earth River has cut around the west side of the dam and there are concerns about debris in the river. Authorities are notifying residents downstream of the dam.
Flooded Minnesota communities begin transition from fight to recovery
Communities around Minnesota continue to clean up after floods hit towns across the state. The Minnesota National Guard deployed 44 soldiers to Waterville, where they’ll help staff pump stations in the hard-hit community.
Highways close as rivers rise across southern Minnesota. More storms in forecast
Rivers across southern Minnesota continued rising Tuesday, leading to highway closures — with more rain in the forecast. Meanwhile, a line of strong storms swept across northern Minnesota, with more storms possible later Tuesday.
DNR: Elko New Market can pump more groundwater to supply bottled water plant
The DNR said its test results show the increase would not negatively affect aquifer levels or nearby lakes, rivers and streams. Elko New Market will be required to investigate and address any potential impacts on nearby private wells.
Residents complain of water problems after Elko New Market pumping test
The residents say the changes occurred late last year, the same time the city was conducting an aquifer test by pumping groundwater at higher-than-normal rates. The pump test was prompted by a proposal by a California-based company, Niagara Bottling, to build a facility in Elko New Market to produce bottled water. 
Minnesota lawmakers assert protections for public waters
Legislators passed language clarifying that a waterway that meets the legal definition is a public water, even if it’s not on a decades-old state inventory. Its passage followed a lengthy legal dispute over Limbo Creek, the last free-flowing stream in heavily-farmed Renville County.