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.

What lies beneath?  Engineers draw down Mississippi in Minneapolis
Engineers have drained off the top 13 feet of the Mississippi River between the Upper and Lower St. Anthony Falls dams in Minneapolis. Historians are savoring a view of the river that resembles what the first explorers probably found at the site.
Agency criticized for withholding Great Lakes health risk report
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has drawn criticism from members of Congress, scientists and a U.S.-Canadian agency for withholding the report. It had been scheduled for release last summer.
Great Lakes advocates not pleased with Bush's spending plan
President Bush's proposed budget would shortchange efforts to clean up the Great Lakes and to keep problems such as sewage overflows and exotic species invasions from getting worse, critics said.
NASA-funded study to examine crops' effect on weather
A new study at South Dakota State University -- and funded by NASA -- will try to find out how a move from corn and soybeans to grasses grown primarily for biofuel would affect the weather.
Alternative energy plans a boost to wildlife habitat
Minnesota's natural resource managers say the growing demand for biofuels from the state's forests and prairies will have implications for wildlife habitat, water quality, and other ecological issues.
Feedlot regulation is a growing patchwork
From county to county and township to township, the decisions over whether to allow new livestock feedlot operations is very different. Does this make it harder or easier to get a new facility approved?