Policy and Research

Current Work

Freshwater conducts research and promotes public policy that protects and preserves Minnesota’s water resources, both surface water and groundwater. Our grounding principle is that restoring or mimicking natural landscapes help replenish groundwater and protect surface water.

View our 2023 Legislative Agenda.

Groundwater Governance in the Great Lakes Region (2021-2022)

States around the great lakes

Funded by the Joyce Foundation and led by Freshwater, this one year project brings together researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School, and Milwaukee-based consultancy Water 365, to study groundwater governance in a six-state Great Lakes region.

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RESEARCH

Our published research informs elected officials, state agencies, citizens, and other stakeholders about critical surface and groundwater issues — such as reuse and recharge — to influence public policy and behavior.

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REPORTS

We conduct research, publish reports, and promote public policy that protects and preserves Minnesota’s water resources, both surface water and groundwater.

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presentations
PRESENTATIONS

We regularly deliver presentations on subjects such as landslides, increased flows and river restoration to individuals including government staff, concerned citizens, emergency response managers and water resource professionals.