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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.

Where’s the water? Drought dries up Minnesota lake levels

Where’s the water? Drought dries up Minnesota lake levels

In north-central Minnesota, a persistent drought stretching over several years has created a “storage drought,” depleting water stored in lakes, streams and groundwater. It will take months of above-normal rainfall before they bounce back.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Cyberattacks in Minnesota expose vulnerability of U.S. water systems

Cyberattacks in Minnesota expose vulnerability of U.S. water systems

Some experts say water infrastructure in Minnesota and across the nation is in danger of more attacks in the future, amid increased threats and insufficient funding.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Expert: Minnesota water systems need updating to prevent future attacks

Expert: Minnesota water systems need updating to prevent future attacks

Minnesota is believed to be one of seven states where municipal water systems were hacked. Faisal Kaleem, a cybersecurity expert with Metro State University, said many of the systems municipalities use are older, legacy programs that make them vulnerable to a cyberattack.
by Kelly Gordon and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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Cyberattack targets Minnesota cities' water systems

Cyberattack targets Minnesota cities' water systems

The attack prompted Minnesota IT Services to activate a statewide cybersecurity incident response involving local, state and federal agencies. Authorities did not say whether they know who is responsible for the cyberattack, and did not elaborate on a possible motive.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox and Andrew Krueger

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Officials in Minnesota cities say cyberattacks targeted water systems

Officials in Minnesota cities say cyberattacks targeted water systems

The city of Braham said the temporary water system outage “was a result of a malicious cyberattack of computerized operating systems by unknown actors.” The cities of Plymouth and South St. Paul said they were also targeted.
by Andrew Krueger

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Audit finds shortcomings in Minnesota farm program to protect water quality

Audit finds shortcomings in Minnesota farm program to protect water quality

The report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor released Friday found the Minnesota Department of Agriculture certified and provided financial assistance to some farmers who didn’t meet all the program’s standards.
by Kirsti Marohn

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What would removing Twin Cities locks and dams mean for the Mississippi River?

What would removing Twin Cities locks and dams mean for the Mississippi River?

Some environmental groups think removing the locks and dams would help restore the ecological health of the river and create new recreational opportunities, but many questions remain. Several studies aim to provide answers.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Minnesota’s list of polluted waters grows, but some lakes, rivers reflect 'modest progress'

Minnesota’s list of polluted waters grows, but some lakes, rivers reflect 'modest progress'

The state’s water bodies face a variety of pollution issues, including mercury from coal-fired power plants and industry, sulfate that can harm wild rice and “forever chemicals” that accumulate in fish. But some lakes, rivers and streams have logged improvements.
by Kirsti Marohn

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