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.

New Stearns County park protects lakeshore, offers chance to restore lost prairie and wetlands
The property borders the popular chain of lakes where it narrows into the Sauk River, just south of Cold Spring. It includes about a half-mile of shoreline, rolling hills and old-growth oak forest.
Erosion continues after rain-swollen Blue Earth River claims home near Rapidan Dam
The rain-swollen Blue Earth River continued to carve a larger channel around the Rapidan Dam southwest of Mankato on Wednesday, after claiming a home near the dam the previous night.
New rule gives tribal governments more input on state water quality standards
A new federal rule gives tribal governments more input as states develop water quality standards to protect lakes and streams. Minnesota officials are still working out how the rule might affect its regulatory process.
Flooding pushes Blue Earth County dam to ‘imminent failure condition’
The county says the rain-swollen Blue Earth River has cut around the west side of the dam and there are concerns about debris in the river. Authorities are notifying residents downstream of the dam.
Flooded Minnesota communities begin transition from fight to recovery
Communities around Minnesota continue to clean up after floods hit towns across the state. The Minnesota National Guard deployed 44 soldiers to Waterville, where they’ll help staff pump stations in the hard-hit community.