We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water.
Give to the Max!
Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 21, and we invite you to support our work for water!
Did you know that individual donations fund 10 percent of Freshwater’s annual budget? These contributions allow us to tackle complex water challenges by collaborating with communities, businesses, researchers, government agencies, and conservation partners. Join us in making a difference now and for future generations.
What this election means for water
Here at Freshwater, we’ve been having lots of conversations with colleagues, friends and family to discuss what this year's election results might mean for water – here in Minnesota and for our planet. While there is no shortage of speculation about how the new administration and Congress may approach various environmental policy issues, one thing remains clear: Water is something we all share, and it can transcend political, social, economic and cultural divides.
Please take a look at our 2025 Legislative Agenda, and consider taking action in your community.
Weatherguide photo submissions open through January 12
Calling all photographers! We are now accepting photo submissions through January 12, 2025, for the 2026 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac.
This will be the 50th Anniversary edition of the Weatherguide, and we have changed the process from past years, so please be sure to review our latest photo submission guidelines. Thanks to all of the photographers who contribute their talents to support our work for water!
Site visits provide valuable learning on stormwater reuse
This fall, Freshwater co-hosted three visits to stormwater reuse sites with the cities of Waconia, Hugo and Woodbury, Minnesota. The goal was to invite attendees to see the sites firsthand and ask questions about their design, operation and maintenance.
Visit the Freshwater blog for some key takeaways from these interactive sessions, along with details about each site.
2025 Weatherguide now available!
The 2025 Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac is now available here on the Freshwater website. Featuring stunning photography and a wealth of information about the natural world, the Weatherguide has been a Minnesota tradition for nearly 50 years!
The Weatherguide is published annually by Freshwater with promotional support from KARE 11 and Minnesota Public Radio. Sales help to fund Freshwater's research, policy and education work.
Greater Lakes Promise launches new website
Freshwater, along with our project partners, recently launched a new website for Greater Lakes Promise. With support from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Freshwater is teaming up with several land trusts on a regional approach to improving water quality 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.
New trash capture boom installed at Lake of the Isles
Minneapolis residents gathered with Freshwater and our partners at Lake of the Isles in June to celebrate a new trash boom capture system, building on a pilot project installed last year on Lake Hiawatha. The boom has dual benefits – it will capture trash from entering the lake through a storm drain outfall, and it will raise awareness of how pollutants travel from city streets into lakes and rivers.
Partners on this project include Freshwater, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, East Isles Neighborhood Association, River Network, and Osprey Initiative.
Introducing our 2024 State of Water report
Check out our new State of Water report that includes observations, needs and barriers for water in Minnesota, along with specific actions to address them.
We believe that everyone should have access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water and wastewater services. All communities should be resilient in the face of climate risks, have a role in decision-making processes related to water management, and share in the economic, social, and environmental benefits of water systems. Here's how we think that can happen.
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!
New study will map potential to recharge aquifers
With groundwater shortages becoming a concern in some areas of the state, researchers at the University of Minnesota and Freshwater will be poised to assist by deploying a first-of-its-kind GIS mapping tool that could help pave the way for managed aquifer recharge in Minnesota.
Also known as water banking, managed aquifer recharge usually involves injecting water into the ground through wells, or constructing infiltration basins, to essentially “bank” water underground for later use.
Freshwater continues groundwater governance work
Freshwater is leading a second phase of work to build capacity for groundwater governance in the Great Lakes region funded by the Joyce Foundation. The team will be following recommendations summarized in the report, Groundwater Governance, Well Cobbled?, which assessed the technical, legal and structural capacity of the six Great Lakes states and 35 federally recognized tribes in EPA Region 5.
The initial Phase 1 study showed that groundwater governance in the Great Lakes Region is in different stages of development and in need of better alignment to thoughtfully and sustainably manage aquifers and groundwater-surface water connections. In addition, there is an important need to amplify tribal government perspectives and advance indigenous leadership in groundwater governance.
Explore water news and resources
Members, this is your one-stop shop for Freshwater news and happenings! Click through and check it out.
Purchase your Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac at a retailer near you!
Beautify your instagram feed
Be sure to follow Freshwater on Instagram for water news and some fantastic photos! Photo credit for this image: Jon Wood
Support Freshwater
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