MPR’s Mark Steil investigates DNR records that show scores of water permit holders in Minnesota are illegally using billions of gallons more water then they're supposed to, at a time when drought threatens state water supplies.
The records show that over the last six years, hundreds of individuals, businesses and even state government agencies have pumped more than their permit allows. But they face few consequences for these misdemeanor violations.
Awarded:
2014 MNSPJ Page One Award, first place in Radio - Investigative category