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 programs, projects and events.
Where we're going
Read our strategic plan which guides our work and collaborations for the next several years.
What we've accomplished
Learn about our impacts and activities in 2022, our sphere of influence and metrics.
Upcoming Events
Leveraging Grant Funds for Stormwater & Community Resilience Planning
Thursday, October 12, 2023, 10a – 12pmThe Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has provided funding opportunities for local government units and tribal nations to assess vulnerabilities and begin planning for the effects of Minnesota’s changing climate through a planning grant program targeting stormwater, wastewater community service systems. This seminar will highlight 3 projects from the 2022 grant cycle that focus on stormwater and community resilience.
Minnesota Water Resources Conference
October 17-18, 2023Join us for the annual MN Water Resources Conference. #mnwrc23
News
Past, present, and future of Nitrogen Smart Education
September 27, 2023On October 1st, Brad Carlson begins his 30th year working for the University of Minnesota Extension. The Extension Educator, who works statewide from the Mankato Regional Office, focuses on water quality issues related to agriculture, and more specifically, nitrates.
Grad student strengthens research skills studying sustainable corn production at the SWROC
September 14, 2023Water Resources Science graduate student Zac Aanerud gained valuable research skills and insights studying sustainable corn production at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center the past three summers. Aanerud’s research is supported by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Watershed Innovations (WINS) Grant Program of the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center in conjunction with the United States Geological Survey.
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Solutions to Urban Stormwater Runoff
September 12, 2023Stormwater runoff from our communities’ streets, driveways, parking lots, and rooftops can degrade the quality of our lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and sometimes, shallow groundwater resources. Urban, suburban, and agricultural stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as nutrients, pathogens, and sediment. When the amount (volume) and speed (rate) of runoff increases, such as during and after storms, outcomes can include localized and downstream flooding.