Freshwater, the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, and Rice Creek Watershed District are partnering to offer more education and collaborative opportunities to explore the nuances of iron-enhanced sand filter system maintenance, operations, and design. We are doing this through site visits and an in-person workshop to further collective understanding among practitioners, researchers, and decision makers.
Site Visits
May 7 - Woodcrest Creek, Coon Rapids
- When: Thursday, May 7th at 2:30pm-4:00pm
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Where: Meet at Wintercrest Park (10300 Woodcrest Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433)
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What you will do: Explore Woodcrest Creek filter, a pond-bench style biochar / iron-enhanced sand filter system and learn from Coon Creek Watershed District staff that maintain and monitor the system.
- Who should attend: Ideal for anyone who knows the basics of iron-enhanced sand filter systems and is interested in swapping tales of system stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring to solve technical challenges together.
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Optional: Happy hour afterwards at Sammy's Pizza - Coon Rapids from 4:00pm-5:30pm.
Workshop - Exploring Iron Enhanced Sand Filters
On Friday, January 16, 2026, we heard from researchers, practitioners, and engineers about the relevant decision inputs for constructing iron-enhanced sand filters, ongoing maintenance required, and recent advancements and research in iron enhanced sand filter design.
Design and Maintenance Panel Summary
Research Presentation - Lessons in IESF Performance and Longevity
Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 – Check-in
10:00 – 10:15 – Welcome
10:15 – 11:00 – Panel discussion: Local iron-enhanced sand filter engineers discuss design, construction, and lessons learned.
11:00 – 11:45 – Panel discussion: Operators discuss iron-enhanced sand filter maintenance challenges.
11:45 – 1:00 – Lunch & Networking
1:00 – 1:45 – Presentation: Recent advancements and research on iron-enhanced sand filters.
1:45 – 2:00 – Closing
2:00 – 3:00 – Networking Reception
