Every year, Safe Drinking Water Week, led nationally by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and recognized this year in Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), is a time to reflect on the importance of clean, safe, and reliable drinking water.
At Freshwater, we see Safe Drinking Water Week as an opportunity to tell a fuller story: one that connects drinking water to public health, community stewardship, public policy, and future innovation. This page brings together a set of stories that highlight how Freshwater is working in communities across the state to help ensure safe drinking water for all Minnesotans.
Why Freshwater works on drinking water
For nearly 60 years, Freshwater has worked at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement to protect lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. Drinking water touches every part of our mission. From private wells to major rivers, from treatment plants to household taps, protecting drinking water requires:
- Grounding decisions in sound science
- Connecting people to the water they depend on
- Strengthening the public systems that deliver safe water
- Preparing for emerging challenges before they become crises
This work aligns directly with Freshwater's strategic plan and vision of a future with sustainable and accessible sources of clean water that support healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies.
Stories from Safe Drinking Water Week
Explore the stories below to see how Freshwater's drinking water work spans health, community engagement, policy, and innovation.
Partners and funders
These stories reflect the power of collaboration. Freshwater's drinking water work is made possible through partnerships with community organizations, health care providers, public agencies, researchers, and artists-as well as funding support from public and private partners. We gratefully acknowledge:
- The Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, as recommended by the Legislative‑Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
- Regional and statewide partners involved in Sacred Water Shared Future
- Mayo Clinic and community partners supporting rural well testing and education
- Research collaborators from the University of Minnesota and Bay West, who are advancing innovative solutions to emerging contaminants
Support the work that protects drinking water
Protecting drinking water requires long‑term commitment across health, communities, policy, and science. Support from individuals who care about clean, reliable water helps Freshwater:
- Connect people to the water they depend on
- Advance durable, prevention‑focused solutions
- Strengthen public systems and policies
- Prepare for the challenges still ahead
If these stories resonate with you, consider supporting Freshwater Society with a donation below. Your support makes it possible to protect drinking water today and for generations to come.
Visit our Ways to Give page to learn how you can make a gift of stock or leave a legacy of support for Freshwater with a gift from your estate, insurance policy, or retirement account. To join or renew your membership, please visit our Member Hub. Visit DAF Direct to make a gift directly from your Donor Advised Fund.
Questions about your gift? Please contact us at 651-313-5800 or development@freshwater.org.
Freshwater is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which means your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Our Tax ID is: 23-7007115.