Publications

The Freshwater Society, in print and on this website, regularly publishes information on water, conservation and threats to water quality and sustainability. Those publications include:

Water is Life: Protecting A Critical Resource For Future Generations, a Freshwater Society report on Minnesota’s ground and surface waters. The report , released Oct. 22, 2008, focuses on the sustainability of ground water and the pollution that contaminates many lakes and streams. The report was prepared by an advisory group, the Guardianship Council. A shorter Executive Summary of the report also is available.

Sustainability of Ground Water.pdf, a fact sheet on the Sustainability of Ground Water, published in October 2008 by the Freshwater Society. It includes a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources illustration of the hydrological cycle, plus data on Minnesota ground water use, by type.
 
          Success Stories.pdf, a Freshwater Society fact sheet documenting successes in water conservation by a family, a business and the Minnesota Legislature. The family saved 78,000 gallons of water over three summer months, the business eventually may save 13 billion gallons over 20 years, and the Legislature took action in 1990 that now saves about 7 billion gallons a year. 
 
          What You Can Do.pdf, a Freshwater Society fact sheet listing tips for conserving water and links to other resources, such as the Metropolitan Council and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, that offer extensive lists of tips for saving and protecting ground water. The tips are applicable for individuals, businesses and communities.
 
Value of Water.pdf, a Freshwater Society fact sheet on the real value of water, as distinguished from the almost infinitesimal price we often pay for it.
 
In The News, a weekly digest of electronic links to regional, national and international reporting on water and the environment. The digests includes links from mid-2008 to the present.


Facets of Freshwater, a regular newsletter the society produces for members and interested citizens.  An electronic archive of copies since 2004 is available.

Minnesota  Weatherguide Environment Calendar, a calendar available in wall and desk format that the the Society has published for three decades.  It offers weather records, phases of the moon, times for sunrise and sunset , plus phenology data on the response of living organisms to seasonal and climatic changes.  We publish free curriculum guides for elementary-school  teachers who use the calendars in their science classes. The calendar is available for sale as a fund-raising opportunity for nonprofit organizations.

Guide To Lake Protection and Management , a 27-page brochure published in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The guide includes information on watersheds, the chemistry of lakes, exotic species, development of a lake management plan and best management practices for preserving water quality. Download a PDF of the guide. A limited number of copies are available in print. Order one from the Freshwater Society at $3 per copy, plus shipping costs. Call 952-471-9773.

Original Sources , a digest of electronic links to reports on water quality and the environment from researchers and regional, national and international agencies.