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.

Shipping Minnesota water to sate a thirsty world: Could it happen?
Last week came the surprising news that a Dakota County company wants to pump water from below the ground and transport it by rail to the western United States. Environmental groups quickly opposed the idea. The Minnesota DNR said the plan won't likely meet state law. But could a plan like this ever become reality?
Investigation: Lead in some Canadian water worse than Flint
A yearlong investigation by more than 120 journalists tested lead exposure in 11 cities across Canada and found one-third exceeded the national safety guideline, with contamination in several cities consistently higher than they ever were in Flint, Michigan.
State conservation officials say there is “virtually no scenario” where they would let a Lakeville-based company pump 500 million gallons a year from one of the state’s oldest aquifers and ship it out by rail.
'Let the Water Speak': Sharing stories, building relationships in the Folwell neighborhood
The Folwell neighborhood is separated from the Mississippi River by an interstate highway and a sprawling industrial site. On the evening of Aug. 22, an event was held in “The Story Garden,” dedicated to sharing stories and raising consciousness of the river among the people who live near its banks.
Hennepin County begins project to assess sinkhole risk
Geologists say densely populated portions of the county’s southeast corner could be prone to sinkholes, thanks to the soft sandstone bedrock that lies just beneath the surface. As a result, Hennepin County is launching a two-year study to assess the sinkhole risk.
Alaska villages run dry and residents worry 'if this is our future of no water'
The remote community of Nanwalek on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula is accessible only by boat or floatplane. Now, it's running out of water due to lack of rainfall and a low snowpack.
Third congressional hearing on ‘forever chemicals’ to focus on corporate accountability
A former Minnesota attorney general and a 3M executive are testifying in Washington Tuesday before a congressional subcommittee about PFAS — a class of chemicals that have contaminated the drinking water of millions of Americans.
Great Lakes freighters may have to treat ballast water to curb invasive species
Canadian regulators want “lakers” to treat ballast water by 2024. Environmentalists are pushing for similar U.S. rules. Industry groups argue it would cost them hundreds of millions of dollars and grind business to a halt.