Blog

Biofilms

Innovative project harnesses the power of biology to clean up “forever chemicals” in groundwater

February 2, 2026

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

Freshwater at Today's Harvest

Freshwater volunteers at Today’s Harvest

January 28, 2026

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

Celebrating 50 years of Weatherguide: a look back

October 31, 2025

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 … Read more

well head

Rural Health and Drinking Water project tackles arsenic testing in southern Minnesota wells

August 12, 2025

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

Freshwater leads regional discussions on data centers and large water users

July 24, 2025

Freshwater continues to lead discussions on smart siting of data centers and high-volume water users in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. Want to learn more? Here are our upcoming … Read more

Mary Poelman

Snake River paddle explores geologic history and watershed restoration needs

July 16, 2025

Freshwater recently completed a short project funded by the Snake River Watershed Board (Aitkin, Mille Lacs, Kanabec and Pine county commissioners) to help orient their new watershed coordinator, Mary Poelman, … Read more

Minnesota State Capitol

Minnesota water policy outcomes from the 2025 session

June 18, 2025

Shortly after compiling this end-of-session report, we were shocked and saddened by the killing of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with the shooting of Sen. John … Read more

EPA Region 5 map

Treaties and groundwater in EPA Region 5

June 11, 2025

Treaties have clear implications for the management of surface waters, but the application to groundwater is less clear. Recent rulemaking by the EPA may make it possible to address water … Read more

Communicating groundwater science

June 11, 2025

Water touches many realms and people, yet groundwater policy decisions are commonly made by people with academic credentials who work in recognized bureaucratic organizations. It takes all perspectives to shape … Read more

Groundwater governance in the Great Lakes region

Emerging recommendations for regional groundwater governance

June 11, 2025

The following are general recommendations for local leaders participating in groundwater governance. These came from local workshops that spanned jurisdictions and groundwater management areas. Hyperlocal coordination  Regional groundwater planning conversations … Read more