Water. Simple. Almost free. Comes out of the tap when we turn it on. We think we know it. But really, we don’t. Water knows no boundaries. It touches every aspect of our lives, and all life depends on it.
At the Water Main we’re catalyzing conversation, community and action in support of clean, abundant, accessible water.
To make the value of water more visible for Americans, we focus on how water connects to tangible and visible aspects of people’s lives.
The Water Main is excited to announce a new podcast that asks the question, "Do you know where your water's been?" In Deep explores the labyrinth of how our water is cleaned, managed, and delivered – from toilet to tap.
Millions of people still get water through lead pipes. Buried Lead, a collaboration between The Water Main and APM Reports, explores how lax EPA rules have left millions of Americans exposed to lead in drinking water.
Fancy maps, robots, big data and more…Our climate change collaboration with Marketplace Tech explores how tech can help us adapt to heat, heavy rains and rising seas.
The Water Main and MPR News are working with people, organizations, and media outlets in North Minneapolis to create conversations about water, community, and racial equity.
Minnesota’s outdoor traditions—from skiing to hunting to canoeing—are closely tied to the state’s climate. So what happens when that climate changes? Our panel discussion, moderated by MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner explores that question with polar explorer Ann Bancroft and Sea Grant extension educator Jesse Schomberg.
Field Work is a new podcast for commercial farmers to share their experiences with sustainable agriculture—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why?
Growing food isn't easy. It takes land, labor, water, fertilizer, and more. So why does 40% of food in the U.S. go uneaten? In our radio special, host Jed Kim and the Water Main team dig into the issue of food waste and taste test some possible solutions.
The major U.S. industries interact with water in diverse ways. Some use or pollute water more than others. Do Americans know how the pillars of our economy stack up when it comes to water? With the APM Research Lab, we fielded a nationally representative survey to learn how informed the public is on industrial water use and pollution.
In cities across the country, the cost of water has risen dramatically in recent years, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to endure weeks or even months without an essential resource. The crisis is especially acute in cities along the Great Lakes - the region of the country with the most abundant fresh water.
In July 2018, the Water Main partnered with Minnesota Public Radio® host Kerri Miller, MPR News, New Orleans Public Radio, and Iowa Public Radio to produce a special week of live call-in shows to give listeners a greater appreciation of how the Mississippi River influences the economy, culture and environment of the communities along its path.
