Water policy

Freshwater works with elected officials and government leaders to promote sound public policy that protects and preserves lakes, rivers, streams and aquifers. Our grounding principle is that restoring or mimicking natural landscapes is key to replenishing groundwater and protecting surface water.

Legislative Focus - Nitrate in drinking water
Legislative Focus - Bonding for Public Facilities Authority

Letter of Support (2/21/24) - Establishing a Council on Infrastructure
Letter of Support (3/4/24) -
SWCD funding increase
Letter of Support (3/5/24) - Limited liability for Smart Salting-certified applicators
Letter of Support (3/18/24) - Clean water, climate-smart, and soil-healthy farming
Letter of Support (3/20/24) - Clean Water Council supplemental funding recommendations (Minnesota Senate)
Letter of Support (4/2/24) - Clean Water Council supplemental funding recommendations (Minnesota House)
Letter of Support (4/3/24) - Minnesota Department of Agriculture funding for nitrate treatment
Letter of Support (4/14/24) - Nitrate response and soil health funding in Senate agriculture omnibus
Letter of Support (4/15/24) - Nitrate response in House agriculture omnibus
Letter of Support (4/15/24) - Clean Water Council supplemental funding recommendations in Senate Legacy bill
Letter of Support (4/16/24) - Clean Water Council supplemental funding recommendations in House Legacy bill
Letter of Support (4/29/24) - Capital Improvement Appropriations (Minnesota Senate)
Letter of Support (4/29/24) - Capital Improvement Appropriations (Minnesota House)
Letter of Support (5/1/24) - Clean Water Council supplemental funding recommendations (Minnesota House and Senate)
Letter of Support (5/2/24) - Agriculture Omnibus (Minnesota House and Senate)
Letter of Support (5/14/24) - Agriculture Omnibus (Minnesota House and Senate Conference Committee)

Current policy work

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RESEARCH

Our published research informs elected officials, state agencies, citizens and others about critical surface water and groundwater issues.

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REPORTS

We conduct independent research, publish reports and promote public policy that protects and preserves clean, sustainable water.

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presentations
PRESENTATIONS

We often deliver presentations to government staff, concerned citizens, emergency response managers and water professionals. Please email freshwater@freshwater.org.