Watershed Protection

How water gets from our river to the tap (and back)

by Peter LaFontaine

update

November 2, 2020

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? And what happens when you flush your toilet? We've plumbed the depths for the best podcasts and articles that can answer all your questions on public water systems in the Twin Cities. >>

Minnesota gets a bad report card for nitrate reduction (part one)

by Trevor Russell

update

October 14, 2020

In the first of a two-part series, we’ll look at the results of the state’s recent nutrient reduction report card. The results are ... not good. >>

MPCA report: The Upper Mississippi's upstream crud

by Peter LaFontaine

update

August 21, 2020

A new report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finds that the Upper Mississippi River from Grand Rapids to Brainerd is impaired with too much sediment. What can we do about it? >>

Study: human-made pollutants in remote, undeveloped lakes?

by Trevor Russell

update

July 7, 2020

A recent story from Minnesota Public Radio shines a light on some unexpected (and unnerving) new findings. Even in Minnesota’s relatively remote and pristine lakes, researchers are finding human-made contaminants of concern. >>

Dust in the wind (spreads toxic algae)

by Peter LaFontaine

update

July 4, 2020

Pristine lakes in remote parts of Minnesota — and around the country — are beginning to suffer from blooms of toxic algae, and scientists are piecing together a troubling answer as to why. >>

Potato fiasco turns even more rotten

by Peter LaFontaine

update

June 2, 2020

According to new disclosures, an enormous scofflaw corporation is trying to skirt basic environmental regulations in order to make billions on ... potatoes. >>