We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and protect water.
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2027 Weatherguide on sale now!
The new 2027 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac is available now with special early bird pricing!
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. Plus, your purchase helps support Freshwater's work for water.
(opens in new tab)CCommunity celebrations to highlight art & water across Minnesota
We are excited to embark on a new project with support from the McKnight Foundation designed to drive positive change through art and community celebration. Homecoming: Cheer for Minnesota Water is a statewide public art initiative that transforms local community gatherings into joyful celebrations of Minnesota’s love of water. Created by artist Amanda Lovelee in partnership with Freshwater, the project uses art, culture, science, and community celebration to deepen Minnesotans’ connection to water while inspiring civic action.
(opens in new tab)Join us for Water Connects Us on October 22nd!
We can't wait to bring together supporters, partners, and new voices for an evening of connection and creativity at Water Connects Us: A Fundraiser for Freshwater, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are now available(opens in new tab).
This year’s event will center on our Art for Water initiative, exploring how creativity, community, and shared experience can deepen our connection to water and the role we all play in protecting it.
Water Risk Atlas to help responsibly site large water users
With an influx of large industrial water use projects being proposed in Minnesota, Freshwater is leading work on a new geospatial tool to help municipalities, planners, communities and businesses consider how new projects might impact the water security of local communities and ecosystems. The Water Risk Atlas will be a Minnesota-specific, web-based application modeled after the World Resources Institute Aqueduct project, a widely used global mapping tool that provides insights on factors like water stress, water depletion, flooding and drought.
Innovative project harnesses the power of biology to clean up "forever chemicals" in groundwater
A bold new effort to address one of Minnesota’s most persistent water challenges is now underway. Freshwater is partnering with Bay West and the University of Minnesota on a 3-year project to develop and test innovative, biofilm-based technologies to destroy PFAS – often called “forever chemicals” – in contaminated groundwater. This project represents an important step toward long-term, science-based solutions to protect Minnesota’s water.
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 and share best practices on smart siting and design of data centers.
Project tackles arsenic testing in southern Minnesota wells
Freshwater recently kicked off a new 3-year project in partnership with the Mayo Clinic to test private drinking water wells for arsenic in eight southern Minnesota counties. 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.
Freshwater releases second report on groundwater governance
Freshwater published a report, Towards Collaborative and Equitable Groundwater Governance in EPA Region 5(opens in new tab), concluding our second phase of work on groundwater governance funded by The Joyce Foundation(opens in new tab).
The report page also includes a series of related topics that the Freshwater team explored during this 18-month project such as treaties(opens in new tab), regional(opens in new tab) and local(opens in new tab) groundwater governance, and communicating groundwater science(opens in new tab).
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.
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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