Chris O'Brien 
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 … Read more
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on May 18 after passing a $1.24 billion bonding bill, along with relatively few water-related policy bills. Freshwater, along with our team at Park Street Public, engaged with bipartisan legislators and partners to build support for water infrastructure funding, and … Read more
As we reflect on the April 2026 congressional vote to roll back federal protections around mining near the Boundary Waters, we are reminded that clean water is our shared priority … Read more
The Minnesota Legislature had its third and final committee deadline on April 17, a milestone for this session that is scheduled to adjourn on May 18. At Freshwater, our attention is now shifting from water policy to water infrastructure … Read more
Last week, Freshwater gathered with partners, supporters, and friends to celebrate World Water Day at Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park. The evening was a joyful reminder that protecting water … Read more
The state of Illinois is considering important changes to the way it permits groundwater, drawing on analysis from a 2024 groundwater governance report published by Freshwater and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The report, Securing Illinois’ Groundwater Future, describes … Read more
This year’s state legislative session runs February 17 through May 18, and Freshwater will be engaging with policymakers on water issues by offering science-based perspectives and collaborative solutions. Here are … Read more
A bold new effort to address one of Minnesota’s most persistent water challenges is now underway. Thanks to support from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended … Read more
In response to urgent community needs, Freshwater staff were proud to give back to our community and neighbors on January 23 by volunteering at Today’s Harvest, the most-visited food access … Read more
Freshwater recently kicked off a new 3-year project in July in partnership with the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Geological Survey to test 8,000 private … Read more
