The University of Minnesota’s Water Resources Center provides leadership in freshwater management through cutting-edge research, educational opportunities for students and professionals, and community outreach. Authorized by Congress as one of the nation’s 54 water resources research institutes, we also connect the research expertise at the University to research problems at the national level.
What we're working on
See our diverse portfolio of research and Extension programs, training and courses, conferences and speaker series, and graduate support.
The great MN water get-together
For over 50 years the Minnesota Water Resources Conference has been the state's premier water event.
What we've accomplished
Learn about our value, impacts, and activities in 2025.
Upcoming Events
Vegetation Identification and Maintenance Techniques for Stormwater Treatment Practices - August 4
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 9am - 4pmA one-day, hands-on workshop for stormwater maintenance professionals. Participants learn to use plant identification apps to accurately identify species and determine which should be removed from vegetated stormwater practices. This course introduces maintenance of vegetated systems, particularly for professionals who have traditionally focused on mechanical practices.
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Vegetation Identification and Maintenance Techniques for Stormwater Treatment Practices - August 6
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 9am - 4pmA one-day, hands-on workshop for stormwater maintenance professionals. Participants learn to use plant identification apps to accurately identify species and determine which should be removed from vegetated stormwater practices. This course introduces maintenance of vegetated systems, particularly for professionals who have traditionally focused on mechanical practices.
Minnesota Water Resources Conference
October 13-14, 2026Participant registration and exhibitor registration is now open for the annual Minnesota Water Resources conference. #MNWRC26
News
Researchers are learning what Minnesotans think about lake water quality
June 20, 2026Director of the Water Resources Center, Bonnie Keeler, speaks about a water quality study being conducted at 17 different lakes across Minnesota.
"It's the people!" Reflections from dedicated staff members who've been with CFANS from Day 1
June 9, 2026Four of the Water Resources Center's staff members have been with CFANS since the very beginning. These staff members reflected on their personal journeys, their favorite memories, and what it means to dedicate a career to a calling.
Go with the flow: Hydrodynamic resilience to invasive mussels
June 8, 2026Water Resources Science, masters student Jasper Goldstein, investigated how turbulence in water flow negatively affects zebra mussels.