We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water.
2027 Weatherguide photo submissions are now open!
We’re excited to announce that our 2027 Weatherguide photo submission portal is officially open. Thank you for your patience as we finalized a smoother submission process. Read the guidelines and submit your photos by January 5, 2026. We appreciate your understanding and are excited to see your amazing photographs!
Minnesota Water Stewards applications for 2026 are now open!
Minnesota Water Stewards is now offered statewide! Through the Minnesota Water Stewards program, Freshwater empowers community members with tools to be water champions in their neighborhoods and across the state. In January of 2026, we are launching a new version of the program that will allow us to expand our reach and support Stewards throughout the state. The priority deadline for applications is December 15th!
Celebrating 50 years of Weatherguide: a look back
Freshwater celebrated 50 years of the Weatherguide Calendar and Almanac on October 30th, 2025. The celebration was held at CLA Connect in Eagan and attended by Weatherguide lovers, contributors, and partners alike. We deeply value the partnerships that make this calendar possible, bringing together scientists, educators, news media, artists, and community. Thank you to everyone who supports and contributes to the Weatherguide, especially KARE 11, MPR, and the Jeffers Foundation!
New project tackles arsenic testing in southern Minnesota wells
Freshwater recently kicked off a new 3-year project in partnership with the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Geological Survey to test 8,000 private drinking water wells for arsenic. This pilot project (Rice, Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, Faribault, Blue Earth, Watonwan and Martin counties) approaches well testing with a new lens by partnering with healthcare physicians to educate and encourage residents to test their wells – and by offering free, convenient well testing opportunities.
2026 Weatherguide now available!
The 2026 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac, our 50th Anniversary edition, is now available here on the Freshwater website and at participating retail locations.
Published in partnership with KARE 11, Minnesota Public Radio and Jeffers Foundation, the Weatherguide features stunning photography and a wealth of information about the natural world. And don't forget to mark your calendars for our Weatherguide 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 30!
Freshwater leads regional discussions on data centers and large water users
As the use of artificial intelligence continues to rise, so does the demand for hyperscale data centers, which can use millions of gallons of water each day for cooling. State and local governments are wrestling with how to promote responsible economic development while protecting water supplies for the long term. Freshwater continues to lead regional discussions on smart siting of data centers and high-volume water users through several projects, conference presentations and webinars.
Freshwater releases new report on groundwater governance
Freshwater recently published a new report, Towards Collaborative and Equitable Groundwater Governance in EPA Region 5, concluding our second phase of work on groundwater governance funded by The Joyce Foundation.
The report page also includes a series of related topics that the Freshwater team explored during this 18-month project such as treaties, regional and local groundwater governance, and communicating groundwater science.
View our 2024 Impact Report
Learn about Freshwater's work this past year, made possible by donors, sponsors and partners who help to support our mission.
Highlights from the past year include working with Tribal partners on groundwater governance, launching Greater Lakes Promise, gathering community input for the Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan, working to advance circular water systems, advancing state policy around nitrate contamination, and embarking on a statewide adaptation of the Minnesota Water Stewards Program.
Greater Lakes Promise supports clean water through healthy lands
Freshwater is leading an innovative partnership for clean water called Greater Lakes Promise. With support from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the project includes several land trusts collaborating on a regional approach to land protection around the Great Lakes.
Using state-of-the-art watershed modeling paired with local insights, our team selects high priority lands for conservation. These lands are then permanently protected with funding generated by individuals and businesses who live and work in the region.
Freshwater gathers input for Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan
The Minnesota Department of Health is developing a 10-year action plan to better manage drinking water, and Freshwater played a key role in engaging water professionals and community members.
This work is outlined in two reports: Lessons from Drinking Water Professionals: An Assessment of Drinking Water Governance in Minnesota and Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan Community Engagement Feedback. These insights will help guide policies to protect drinking water in Minnesota.
Fight plastic pollution with Adopt a River
We invite you to help clean up plastics and other litter around a lakeshore, riverbank or neighborhood street near you.
Check out our Adopt a River toolkit for resources and tips on how to organize a community cleanup. It's easier than you think, and it can make a big difference. Thanks for joining together and helping keep our waters clean!
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