water quality

Researchers examined 202 monitoring locations across Missouri and found potentially unsafe levels of fecal indicator bacteria at 171 locations, or 85% of the sites, on at least one day of testing.

U.S. Geological Survey researchers developed models to better understand the timing and sources contributing to nutrient pollution in streams and rivers. They say their findings can help guide efforts to improve water quality.

Lakes and ponds need nearby wetlands to stay healthy. In some places in Missouri, there isn't the room to do that, so conservationists are bringing the wetlands to the water.

The City Planning Commission has yet to approve the proposal to build a 384-foot data center in Kansas City’s Quality Hill neighborhood. Neighbors worry the project could drain resources and ignore historic preservation

Pesticide pollution is a problem especially in the middle of the country. And sometimes there's enough of it to possibly hurt aquatic plants and animals.

In some parts of Kansas, groundwater is polluted with enough nitrates that it can fulfill some of the fertilizing needs for farmers.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway was the lead Republican attorney general behind the letter, claiming "the upsurge in home-setting chemical abortions has serious implications for the Safe Drinking Water Act." Environmental experts say there is no such evidence.

Some rivers are success stories where wildlife is bouncing back from heavy pollution. But environmental groups say progress hasn’t happened across the board and backsliding remains possible.

Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.

New EPA data show contamination across Missouri. But removing the forever chemicals could cost millions and take years.

Kansas City is exploring ways to manage stormwater naturally, using parks, gardens, and special pavement to soak up rains. The effort could reshape neighborhoods, improve water quality, and create more green space across the city.

Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water. Some purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers found at least trace levels of lead in most of these kiosks.