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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.

Many Minnesotans don’t value aquatic plants. The state’s lakes are paying a price.

Many Minnesotans don’t value aquatic plants. The state’s lakes are paying a price.

Native aquatic plants help keep lakes healthy, reduce erosion and are a safeguard against invasive species. Yet they get a bad rap as a nuisance, and property owners often remove them with chemicals or machines.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds

Excess nutrients can lie dormant in soil for years before polluting rivers, study finds

U.S. Geological Survey researchers developed models to better understand the timing and sources contributing to nutrient pollution in streams and rivers. They say their findings can help guide efforts to improve water quality.

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Shallow water at public landings creates hazard for Minnesota boaters

Shallow water at public landings creates hazard for Minnesota boaters

At many public accesses, more of the boat ramp’s planks are above the water line than they normally are. That makes it more difficult to enter and exit the lake, especially with larger boats and longer trailers.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Minnesota activates drought task force as conditions worsen

Minnesota activates drought task force as conditions worsen

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Randall Doneen, deputy director of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources’s ecological and water resources division, about the state’s drought task force.
by Cathy Wurzer and Aron Woldeslassie

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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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