We are on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and preserve water.
We are hiring a Development Director!
Freshwater is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are seeking a Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts and deepen our culture of philanthropy. This position is ideal for a development professional with demonstrated success in major gifts, donor engagement and revenue strategy who is energized by mission-driven teamwork and systems-level thinking.
Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will be a key part of our leadership team.
Weatherguide 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 30th
For this year's annual Water Connects Us fundraising event, Freshwater is thrilled to present the Minnesota Weatherguide 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CLA Connection Center in Eagan! Join us as we recognize key Weatherguide contributors and partners while enjoying an inside look at how Minnesota's favorite calendar and almanac has evolved and flourished over the past half-century. Get your tickets today as this event is likely to sell out!
New project tackles arsenic testing in southern Minnesota wells
Freshwater recently kicked off a new 3-year project in partnership with the Minnesota Well Owners Organization (MNWOO), Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Geological Survey to test 8,000 private drinking water wells for arsenic. This pilot project (Rice, Steele, Freeborn, Waseca, Faribault, Blue Earth, Watonwan and Martin counties) approaches well testing with a new lens by partnering with healthcare physicians to educate and encourage residents to test their wells – and by offering free, convenient well testing opportunities.
2026 Weatherguide now available!
The 2026 Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac, our 50th Anniversary edition, is now available here on the Freshwater website and at participating retail locations.
Published in partnership with KARE 11, Minnesota Public Radio and Jeffers Foundation, the Weatherguide features stunning photography and a wealth of information about the natural world. And don't forget to mark your calendars for our Weatherguide 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 30!
Freshwater leads regional discussions on data centers and large water users
As the use of artificial intelligence continues to rise, so does the demand for hyperscale data centers, which can use millions of gallons of water each day for cooling. State and local governments are wrestling with how to promote responsible economic development while protecting water supplies for the long term. Freshwater continues to lead regional discussions on smart siting of data centers and high-volume water users through several projects, conference presentations and webinars.
Freshwater releases new report on groundwater governance
Freshwater recently published a new report, Towards Collaborative and Equitable Groundwater Governance in EPA Region 5, concluding our second phase of work on groundwater governance funded by The Joyce Foundation.
The report page also includes a series of related topics that the Freshwater team explored during this 18-month project such as treaties, regional and local groundwater governance, and communicating groundwater science.
View our 2024 Impact Report
Learn about Freshwater's work this past year, made possible by donors, sponsors and partners who help to support our mission.
Highlights from the past year include working with Tribal partners on groundwater governance, launching Greater Lakes Promise, gathering community input for the Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan, working to advance circular water systems, advancing state policy around nitrate contamination, and embarking on a statewide adaptation of the Minnesota Water Stewards Program.
Minnesota Water Stewards program to go statewide
It’s a time of change for the Minnesota Water Stewards program! Recent conversations with current and potential partners, as well as Stewards and program supporters, show a clear path forward.
In response to the changing needs and constraints of our Twin Cities area partners, and expanding interest throughout the state, we are adapting Minnesota Water Stewards into a more affordable, sustainably funded online program that will be widely available across the state and region.
Greater Lakes Promise supports clean water through healthy lands
Freshwater is leading an innovative partnership for clean water called Greater Lakes Promise. With support from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the project includes several land trusts collaborating on a regional approach to land protection around the Great Lakes.
Using state-of-the-art watershed modeling paired with local insights, our team selects high priority lands for conservation. These lands are then permanently protected with funding generated by individuals and businesses who live and work in the region.
Freshwater gathers input for Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan
The Minnesota Department of Health is developing a 10-year action plan to better manage drinking water, and Freshwater played a key role in engaging water professionals and community members.
This work is outlined in two reports: Lessons from Drinking Water Professionals: An Assessment of Drinking Water Governance in Minnesota and Minnesota Drinking Water Action Plan Community Engagement Feedback. These insights will help guide policies to protect drinking water in Minnesota.
Fight plastic pollution with Adopt a River
We invite you to help clean up plastics and other litter around a lakeshore, riverbank or neighborhood street near you.
Check out our Adopt a River toolkit for resources and tips on how to organize a community cleanup. It's easier than you think, and it can make a big difference. Thanks for joining together and helping keep our waters clean!
Water news and resources
Support Freshwater
Your support is instrumental in protecting the lakes, streams and drinking water we all value.
Invest in the future of clean water with a charitable gift today.