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.

Farmers testing new fertilizer alternative: Bacteria
Farmers across the country are putting a genetically modified bacteria in the ground this spring to help corn plants use naturally occurring nitrogen. The goal is to eventually replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.
Lawmakers crafting budgets turn to dedicated funds
Some environmental groups say lawmakers are turning with greater frequency to the dedicated Legacy and lottery funds to cover expenses that had, in earlier years, been paid for through more traditional means.
A primer on life jackets: Especially in cold water, they can save your life
Just a few weeks ago, many of Minnesota's lakes and rivers were covered with ice. And wearing a life jacket can make a critical difference in the chances of survival for boaters and anglers who fall overboard into cold water, officials say.
1 million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction, U.N. report says
"Protecting biodiversity amounts to protecting humanity," says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, who warns that species are being lost at an alarming rate.
Legislature scorecard: How the environment has fared this session, so far
The DFL-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate have passed vastly different environment budget and policy bills that will need to be reconciled in the next couple weeks.