We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water.
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.
Policy and planning is critical for 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. Legislators, along with state and local governments, are wrestling with how to promote responsible economic development while protecting water supplies for the long term.
Freshwater is tracking this issue closely, coordinating with our partners, and sharing potential policy and planning solutions. View this fact sheet to learn more.
Cover chosen for 2026 Weatherguide wall calendar
We're thrilled to announce that Bemidji photographer Janet Nelson's photo, "Expecting," has been chosen for the cover of the 2026 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment wall calendar – 50th Anniversary edition! You can expect the new edition on sale here in August.
Nearly 1,800 votes were cast in our annual cover photo contest, and this photo was an overwhelming favorite. Congratulations to Janet, thanks to KARE 11 for promoting the cover contest, and thanks to all of the amazing photographers who shared their talents to help support our work for water.
Apprenticeship programs make waves for the water workforce
The Cities of Chaska and Plymouth are leaning into developing the next era of the water workforce and are exploring what it means to run successful apprenticeship programs – with different approaches. Their goal remains the same: to make it easier and more accessible for people to join secure, well-paying careers in the water workforce.
Read more on the Freshwater blog, and visit our Water Workforce Pathways page. This program connects across public and private sectors to increase visibility and access to jobs in the water industry.
Minnesota Water Stewards program to go statewide
It’s a time of change for the Minnesota Water Stewards program! Recent conversations with current and potential partners, as well as Stewards and program supporters, show a clear path forward.
In response to the changing needs and constraints of our Twin Cities area partners, and expanding interest throughout the state, we are adapting Minnesota Water Stewards into a more affordable, sustainably funded online program that will be widely available across the state and region.
Site visits provide valuable learning on stormwater reuse
Last 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.
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!
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
Your support is instrumental in protecting the lakes, streams and drinking water we all value.
Invest in the future of clean water with a charitable gift today.