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 value, impacts, and activities in 2025.
Upcoming Events
Minnesota Watersheds: Uniquely Equipped to Address Water Resource Challenges
**Thursday, March 19, 2026: 2pm - 4pm**This presentation will highlight the history of and evolution of watershed districts, consider their challenges and successes, and describe their role in the water management landscape along with other actors.
Minnesota stormwater pond research and practice symposium
March 31 - April 1, 2026Announcing the first-ever Minnesota stormwater pond research and practice symposium. Registration is now open.
Minnesota Water Resources Conference
October 13-14, 2026Save the date for the annual Minnesota Water Resources conference. #MNWRC26
News
Temporarily Not Soil: an immersive underground experience above the ground
March 12, 2026A team of soil enthusiasts, including Water Resources Center’s Bailey Tangen and Anna Cates, spent the better part of the past year working on an immersive art shanty that focused on educating visitors about the importance of soil and the impact that humans have on soil health. This artistic build was displayed on a frozen Lake Harriet from January through February,
Clay County Drinking Water Testing Clinic
March 10, 2026Extension Educator Brenna Finley and Private Wells Program Coordinator, Kate Henke hosted their first drinking water clinic in Clay County, where they educated 98 private well users about groundwater.
2024 WINS recipient, Amelia Olsen, highlights the declining population of Manoomin/Psíŋ.
March 9, 20262024 WINS recipient, Amelia Olsen, highlights the declining population of Manoomin/Psíŋ and researches the cause of harm to the plant and what can be done to protect it.