Water Conservation Tips for the Winter Months

During the cold winter months, we spend more time indoors and can end up using just as much water—if not more—than the summer months. Excessive hot water usage is a major concern as it wastes electricity as well as water.

Here are some tips to conserve water in the winter months to make conditions easier on the environment and on your wallet.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Do you find yourself running the shower or faucet for minutes before using the water because it does not warm fast enough? This is common in the winter months when cold temperatures make it more difficult for water to travel through pipes while maintaining heat. A way to combat this problem is insulating hot water pipes to minimize heat loss. Next time you run the water, you’ll be enjoying a hot shower much sooner!

Invest in a Tankless Water Heater

Along those same lines, upgrading to a tankless water heater can drastically increase the efficiency of your system. Instead of constantly keeping a supply of hot water in a tank, a tankless system heats water quickly on demand. If your current water heater is in good working condition, it’s better for the environment to keep using it. But if it is time for an upgrade, consider purchasing a tankless water heater.

Drip Your Faucet

Although typically a leaking faucet can waste a lot of water, during the time period when temperatures dip below zero you will want to drip your water. This inexpensive insurance prevents pipes from freezing and bursting in your home, wasting a lot more water than a day of dripping could do.

Find where the water comes into your home and drip a faucet at the other end of the house, pulling water through the majority of your system’s pipes. Catch the dripping water in a bucket and use it to water your houseplants!


These easy tips for winter can conserve water when it’s cold outside! Do you have any tips that we missed? Comment them below – We’d love to hear them!

Why It Is Important To Stay Hydrated in the Winter

Drinking enough water is incredibly important for your health all year round, but often, people do not drink as much during the winter. When it is hot and your body sweats, we naturally tend to hydrate because we thirst. However, here is why staying hydrated in the winter is worth putting in extra effort to sip your water all day.

Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration is easy to experience in artificially heated house all bundled up in warm clothes, but it is not easy to recognize. We might not feel dizzy or develop a headache; instead your body’s skin might start flaking and your lips might crack and bleed. Just because you are not thirsty does not mean you are hydrated.

Healthy Anatomy

Water’s benefits to your body are plentiful. According to waterlogic.com, keeping hydrated will regulate your body temperature, allowing your blood to carry important nutrients and oxygen around your body and remove toxins from your body.

Fight Fatigue & Winter Weight

Midday fatigue is often a characteristic of dehydration. Water replenishes our bodies and keeps us energized. Skip the 2:30 cup of coffee and reach for a water bottle instead. In the same way, drinking water can keep your body working to its full potential and help you lose weight. We need water to properly digest food, so sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. Next time you are reaching for a snack, drink a glass of water and see if it satisfies you.

Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated

A couple ways you can consume more water is to eat fruit. Many fruits are incredibly hydrating and healthy for you! Another idea is to buy a fancy water bottle. When you are using a water bottle you like, you tend to drink more water throughout the day. Bring it with you to work and especially to the gym. Another tip from health.com is to drink room-temperature water. The regulate your internal temperature better than water at cold or hot extremes.

These concerns should have you convinced that staying hydrated in the winter is very important! Find easy ways to drink water and appreciate the benefits that comes with it this cold weather season.

Reduce Your Water Waste Footprint this Fall

As temperatures drop, utility bills rise. Not only do most people start turning on their heat this time of year, they also use more water.

According to Move.org, the average American family uses 300 gallons of water per day, enough to fill a six-person hot tub. That’s a lot of water – which translates into a big water bill.

This fall, save water (and money!) with these simple tips:

Limiting Waste in the Bathroom

On brisk fall mornings, you may be tempted to spend a few extra minutes hiding from the cold in your warm shower. Those extra minutes can waste 5 to 10 gallons of water. In the best-case scenario, cut your shower time down. If that’s not an option, hack your shower by purchasing a low flow showerhead that uses less water per minute.

Leaky faucets can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Suddenly, that annoying little drip doesn’t seem so little anymore. Vow to check each faucet in your home for sneaky leaks and have them fixed promptly (or do it yourself).

When you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face it may seem easiest to let the water run, but those extra seconds and minutes add up to gallons upon gallons of wasted water. Instead, turn the faucet off until you absolutely need it.

Toilets are the top water waster in a home, but they don’t have to be. If you’re able, purchasing a water efficient toilet is a great way to cut back on unneeded water usage. Cheaper solutions include toilet banks, toilet tank damns, or fill cycle diverters.

Water Waste in the Kitchen

Though it may seem counterintuitive, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than opting for the dishwasher – especially high-efficiency models. If you must hand wash your dishes, make sure you’re turning off the water as you do.

Nothing tastes quite as refreshing as an ice-cold glass of water. However, running the sink until the water cools down wastes lots of H20. Instead, store bottles of drinking water in the fridge (reusable bottles – not disposable), and reach for one when thirsty.

Out in the Yard

Your yard and landscaping are the first thing people see when visiting your home, so keeping them green, clean, and pristine are probably at the top of your priority list. However, cooler temps and increased rainfall in the fall months means plants and grass need less watering. Put away your sprinkler until next summer. Also, use a broom instead of a water hose when cleaning off your driveway, sidewalks, and garage.

In the Laundry Room

Clean clothes are a must, but wasting water is not. Avoid using the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 50 gallons for the extra rinse. And try to only wash clothes when you’ve got a full load. If your load is smaller, adjust the water setting accordingly.

Consider purchasing a high-efficiency washing machine, which uses substantially less water – as low as 7 gallons per load!

All Around Your Home

Insulating your water pipes is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce heat loss and save water in the process, since you won’t have to wait as long for the water to heat up.


Recycling water may seem silly, but it’s an effective way to reduce your water footprint and save money on your energy bill. Collect rainwater and use it to water plants. Use the cold water that runs while you wait for it to heat up to flush the toilet (known as a bucket flush). Stubborn dirty dishes? Soak them in water leftover from cleaning previous (less stubborn) dishes.


This fall, make water conservation a priority in your home with these super-simple and effective tips. Small steps lead to big savings!

Bottled Water and Plastic Straw Alternatives

As the world relies more and more heavily on plastics, so too the evidence stacks up against using them.

BPA-free does not mean healthy. A healthy alternative to bottled water and plastic straws are sustainable and reusable options. Here are some inspirational ideas and products you can use as alternatives to wasteful, unhealthy plastic.

Glass Reusable Water Bottles

There are many advantages to using a glass water bottle. They are dishwasher safe, can be completely sanitized therefore less likely to grow bacteria or mold, they are made of a natural material healthy for you to use, and result in pure tasting water.

Metal Reusable Water Bottles

Another alternative for reusable water bottles is metal options like stainless steel and aluminum. These bottles are very durable and easy to clean. Some even come with metal straw options. If you are in the market for one, check out this great guide on the difference between stainless steel and aluminum reusable water bottles.

Reusable Straws

There are a multitude of reusable straws on the market. Want ones with a bend like plastic straws? Get these stainless steel CoCo straws. Want clear straws so you can tell if they are completely clean before reuse? Buy StrawGrace handmade glass straws.Need ones that are extra long to fit your favorite reusable cup or bottle? Buy these SipWell stainless steel ones. All these materials are dishwasher safe and make cleaning easy with mini straw brushes.


There are many eco-friendly options out there like biodegradable cups and bamboo straws. However, to be the most ecologically responsible and still drink your fill of water every day, choose metal or glass options when searching for your next water bottle. Consider ditching plastic straws and buying reusable ones that set a new trend.

As the world uses less plastic, perhaps we can mend the pollution done to the oceans and earth.

Mystery to Monument: The Devil’s Kettle Water Foundation

In Judge C.R. Magney State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior lives a fascinating geological mystery: The Devil’s Kettle.

The Devil’s Kettle is part rock formation, part waterfall, and complete conundrum. The Brule River runs until it hits the rocks at the top of a waterfall, then it splits in two. The right fork cascades down like a typical waterfall and the left fork appears to vanish into a large hole below. Then… it disappears. There’s no apparent entrance back into the river for the water that plunges into the kettle. It’s been called the Waterfall to Nowhere.

Image by aaronHwarren via Flickr

Visitors and scientists attempted to solve the mystery of where the water entering the Devil’s Kettle ends up for years. Some tossed in ping-pong balls, branches, and – legend has it – a car to see where they rejoin the river downstream. For a long time, no one could figure it out – the objects just kept disappearing.

That is, until last year when two scientists – a retired professor and a hydrologist – measured the water volume of the Brule River right before it plunges down the falls and again at the bottom. The results? The volume is nearly identical, leading them to believe that the exit to the Devil’s Kettle is a short distance away, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

If you’re looking to test your own theories, by tossing in a handful of leaves or nearby branch, be prepared for a bit of a hike. Getting to Devil’s Kettle is about a 2.5 miles round trip, but there are plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the scenery along the way. In our opinion, it’s totally worth it to see one of the coolest water formations in the state!

Looking for other fun water facts and mysteries? Follow us on Facebook and check out our other blogs.

Foods To Keep You Hydrated This Summer

While drinking water is still the best way to stay hydrated, there are some foods that can help you because they consist mostly of water. During the hot summer days, consider munching on some of these hydrating foods!

Watermelon

Is it any surprise this is the first on the list? Consisting of 92 percent water, this melon lives up to its name. Even at room temperature, watermelon is refreshing like a cool glass of water. Even though watermelon is mostly made of water, the rest is low in calories and dense in nutrients and antioxidants. Read about the powerful benefits of water in this article on healthline.com.

Cucumber

Consisting of 95 percent water, cucumbers are a great hydrating food! shape.com claims cucumbers sooth skin irritations with vitamin C and caffeic acid. Cucumbers can also help you lose weight being low in calories while still making you feel full! This vegetables is a watery winner!

Zucchini

Similar to cucumbers, zucchini consists of about 95 percent water! This food is great to add to salads, main dishes, sides, and to eat plain with dip - even made into noodles! Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. It is healthy for you and hydrating for your body.

Strawberries

These deliciously nutritious berries are 91 percent water. Plus, strawberries love the hot summer months, getting sweeter the hotter it is when they ripen. Their dark red color hints at their densely packed nutrients. Strawberries are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Lettuce

At 96 percent water, lettuce is the wettest food on our list of hydrating foods! Lettuce provides a lot of water, but also folate and fiber. These nutrients are specifically important for pregnant women. Plus lettuce is high in vitamins A and K. Choose a salad for lunch and your body will thank you!

While many fruits and vegetables are incredibly hydrating, these five foods top the list! Keep your body hydrated, healthy, and happy by choosing to eat watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, zucchini, and lettuce more often this summer!

Conserving Water At The Best Waterparks In Minnesota

As the weather warms in Minnesota, you might be interested in visiting a water park. Popular public opinion is that water parks are a vast waste of water, but the reality is that water parks take water conservation very seriously.

Here are a few great water parks to visit in Minnesota this summer!

Three Bears Water Park

An indoor water park like Three Bears Water Park in Brainerd is a great choice. Without humidity, evaporation, and other environmental factors that prevent the water park’s efficiency, indoor water parks can recycle approximately 98% of their water! This particular water park is especially great for younger children with 3 slides that they can ride themselves!

As part of Holiday Inn Express, you can even make a weekend of it staying overnight and enjoying complimentary breakfast.

Bunker Beach Water Park

Voted the best water park in Minnesota by WCCO in 2017, Bunker Beach Water Park in Coon Rapids features unique experiences to interact with water. The huge pool creates 3-foot waves to make you feel like you are in the ocean! They also have six slides and multiple pools among their numerous attractions.

A large water park like Bunker Beach can accommodate thousands on visitors on a hot day. A water park option prevents consumption from all those guests who might otherwise be cooling off in their backyard pools and sprinklers.

Redwood Falls Aquatic Center

If you are in the southwest part of the state, visit the highly reviewed Redwood Falls Aquatic Center. This low-key water park is extremely family friendly and has reasonably priced daily rates. Cool off on their zero-depth entry pool, plunge and diving areas, as well as large lap pools. A well-maintained park like this one conserves water by reducing splash out and designing efficient deck wash down. Read about industry innovations for water park filters and recycling water here.


Enjoy your summer days splashing at the water park without the worry of water consumption. While water parks might use a lot of water to initially fill, their dedication to the recycling of water and the masses they serve make it worth it!

For more information about water conservation - and the best ways to cool off this summer - visit the AWWA Minnesota section on Facebook.

Water Volunteering Opportunities in Minnesota

Sometimes making the changes to conserve water in our everyday lives simply is not enough. Sometimes we want to make a bigger impact to help protect our natural waters.


Get involved by volunteering with these organizations in Minnesota which focus on water conservation.

Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP)

A lot of volunteer opportunities to protect water involve collecting samples so that scientists can study and monitor changes. The wetland areas of Minnesota have a volunteer program called WHEP that does just that. Volunteers attend a training workshop and are given clear direction on what to do. A commit of just 20-40 hours through the whole summer is needed to collect the needed samples.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

The MPCA accepts volunteers to help monitor the ice in their area throughout the state. The formulation and break-up of ice is an important milestone for a lake each year. Knowing as much information about this as possible helps to understand climate change and human influence on the health of Minnesota’s lakes. The lake ice reporting program is currently seeking more volunteers and could really use you! Click here to join in and help stop climate change.

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)

If you are interested in biology, this is the volunteer opportunity for you. FMR seeks volunteers to collect samples of small stream-dwelling bugs to track the health of the rivers that flow into the Mississippi. This is done in the Rice Creek Watershed District and is called the Stream Health Evaluation Program. Signing up means you are committing to spend 35-40 hours volunteering, mostly in the fall. You train with professional scientists to be a part of an important study to keep our streams healthy! Learn more here.


Besides these amazing volunteering opportunities, there are other ways to get involved. Click here to learn even more about how to protect Minnesota’s waters by volunteering in the community.

5 Ways to Conserve Water in the Winter

Water conservation isn’t something we think much about during harsh Minnesota winters.

If you take a look outside, there is no grass or garden maintenance to do and water does a pretty good job of conserving itself by staying frozen, right? Well, sort of.

Take a look inside your home and you’ll find plenty of ways to conserve water, even during these cold winter months!

Here are some water conservation techniques that are particularly helpful in the winter:

Drip Your Faucets

At first, this may seem counterintuitive to conserving water, but by letting your faucets drip while you’re sleeping or out of the house will prevent the pipes from bursting. Consider the wasted water and other dangers during the winter; letting your faucets drip may potentially save a lot of water.

Utilize a Shower Bucket

Dripping your faucets segways nicely into the next point: Find good uses for the water you drip. To conserve the maximum amount of water, place a bucket or bowl under dripping faucets and use the water to flush your toilet or water your plants!

Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

One of the best ways to warm up on a cold winter day is with a hot shower. You may have noticed that it takes longer for the water to warm up in the winter than in the summer. That’s because your pipes are cold. Insulating your hot water pipes helps the water warm up quicker and wastes less water while you wait for it to heat up. Also, it protects your pipes from bursting.

This is another instance in which a shower bucket would be helpful. Instead of letting all that water go to waste while you wait for the water to heat up, catch it in a bucket and, again, use it for flushing the toilet, watering plants, or any other use you have for extra water.

Locate Your Water Shut-off Valve

Should a pipe burst or some other catastrophic event happen with your pipes, it is VERY important that you know where the water shut-off valve is on your property. When an emergency comes around, the sooner you can shut off the water, the better. You’ll save money on water and damage repairs, additionally, you’ll save hundreds of gallons of water if you can shut that gushing pipe off right away!

Check for Leaks After the First Thaw

During the winter months, day and night temperatures can be drastically different. As your pipes expand and contract with those changes, they are placed under a great deal of stress. This can cause pipes to leak or break, which can cause massive water loss and high utility costs, so be sure to have a plumber check your pipes for damage after the first thaw.


The average person uses almost 70 gallons of water per day, and that’s only indoor water usage. Peak water usage during the summer for a household skyrockets up to 350 gallons per day! Whether we’re talking about water conservation in the summer or in the winter, it should become a part of all of our daily routines.

Visit our website to learn more.

A Preview of Minnesota AWWA's 101st Annual Conference

The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association’s 101st Annual Conference is right around the corner and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Following last year’s historic celebration of a century, the annual conference continues Minnesota AWWA’s focus on educating attendees on water quality and treatment, public health, and safety. Water professionals from across Minnesota will gather in Duluth from September 12th-15th for a combination of social and educational events dedicated to preserving and protecting our state’s most vital resource...WATER!


The conference, which takes place over the course of four days, kicks off on Tuesday with a day of fun events hosted by the Minnesota AWWA Philanthropic Committee. The events — sporting clays, a golf tournament, and a fishing tournament — are not only sure to inspire some friendly competition, but also raise funds for the life-changing missions of Water for People and the Water Equation.

The conference convenes at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center overlooking the massive and breathtaking Lake Superior. What better backdrop to discuss water than a view of the largest lake in North America! If you’ve attended the conference in the past, you already know that each day is jam-packed with networking and educational events, including workshops and exhibits. Here’s what you can expect at this year’s conference:

Tuesday, September 12:

• Board meetings
• Philanthropic events

Wednesday, September 13:

• Opening sessions with a welcome by Minnesota AWWA Chair Tony Belden, and AWWA President Brenda Lennox
• Keynote speaker Erik Therwanger
• Vendor exhibitions
• Competitions (including Meter Madness, Hydrant Hysteria, Pipe Tapping, and Best In Glass Water Taste Test)
• Water for People silent auction
• The MAC Social at Grandma’s Sports Garden

Thursday, September 14:

• Concurrent technical sessions and speakers
• Annual business meetings and lunch
• Section election results
• AWWA Appreciation Reception and Dinner
• Awards presentation
• Test your knowledge at the Young Professionals Trivia Tournament at Grizzly’s Restaurant

Friday, September 15:

• Technical sessions
• Panel discussion
• Farewell lunch for attendees

Join us in this opportunity to network and learn from the state’s top water professionals at the 101st Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference. You can register here. Remember to get social with us on Facebook and Twitter, and share your conference experiences with us.

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

At least 60 percent of your body is made up of water. It’s important to drink as much as water as you can to help replenish your body every day. Sadly, water is only the second-most popular beverage in the United States–after soft drinks. That’s a scary realization, since overindulging on sugary soda drinks is an enormous health hazard.

When you’re not drinking enough water, your body will give you warning signs that something isn’t right. Here are a few other warning signs:

You Can Feel it in Your Bones

Just as a car needs oil to run properly, your body needs water to do well. If you don’t have enough water in your body, your joints will begin to break down and you could injure yourself while doing normal activities. According to an article by Lifehack.org, the cartilage that protects our joints is made up of 80% water. This means if you’re not getting enough water, you can risk injury while running or jumping or even when performing daily activities or making sudden movements.

You Don’t Recover Well From Illness

Your grandmother always told you to drink more fluids to help you recover from an illness; she was right. Your body requires a minimum amount of water each day to function at a normal level and get the toxins out of your system. These amounts vary depending on your body type, activity levels, and several other factors, but illnesses will dehydrate you faster than normal - especially if you are vomiting, have diarrhea, or have a fever. When you get sick, increase your water intake even more. Even things like soup, fruit juices, and gelatin help with your fluid intake.

You Feel Sleepy

Fatigue is one of the first signs you’ll encounter from being dehydrated. If a lack of fluids turns into full-blown dehydration, it can cause an imbalance in your sodium, potassium and electrolytes, therefore, making you sleepy and lethargic.

You Get Hungry Out Of Nowhere

When you don’t drink enough water, your body receives mixed signals on hunger. According to an article on Spright.com, “Your hypothalamus, the portion of your brain responsible for controlling feelings of hunger and thirst, responds similarly whether you’re thirsty or you haven’t had enough to eat.” Dehydration causes you to believe you need to eat when you actually need more liquid in your system.

You Don’t Age Well

Water acts as a natural (and much cheaper) facelift as it flushes out the toxins in your body. Hydrating yourself on the inside will result in a dewy and fresh-looking skin on the outside. If you’re dehydrated, things will start to look dry, cracked and unhealthy.


Water is very important to your overall health. Becoming dehydrated too often can do plenty of damage to your body, and as you’ve probably heard, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content is also a good way to stay hydrated. Staying full for the entire day is just as important as staying hydrated.

For more information on hydration, visit the Minnesota Chapter of the American Water Works Association.

The Effect of Clean Water on the Economy

Water pollution, chemical spills, and algae blooms can wreak havoc on a community, not only by affecting the water supply and animal populations but also through many seemingly unrelated industries that tend to suffer with “dirty” water.

Keeping our water clean through regulations like the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act directly bolster the local economy by providing safe water for food & beverage production, fishing, shipping, tourism, and real estate. Even indirectly, clean water supports the Minnesota communities in which we live, work, and keep our companies profitable.

As Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner, John Linc Stine, explains, "We all want clean water. We all recognize the value it brings to Minnesota: both in terms of tangible economic benefits such as increased property values and a robust tourism industry, and intangible benefits that enrich our lives as Minnesotans. We must work together to find creative, cost-effective solutions to paying for it. We can achieve water quality when we all do our fair share.”

Most obviously, clean water makes for great Minnesota activities and is key to tourism. From the North Shore to Minnehaha Falls and everything in between, out-of-towners and local folks alike expect sparkling water and clear shorelines. Tourism in Minnesota is a $14 billion industry, with much of it centered around the waters that give our state its name—the land of “sky-tinted waters.”

Our clean water provides us with a healthy fishing industry and makes shipping on Lake Superior possible. The real estate industry, particularly when it comes to lakeshore properties, relies on unpolluted waters and healthy ecosystems to keep up property values.

Additionally, food & beverage industries need good quality water for production. The beer industry has become more vocal in standing up for clean water, because, “You can’t make great beer without clean water.” Put simply, “Clean water is essential to more than a great-tasting pint—it’s also critical for our health and our economy at large.”

In fact, the majority of small businesses put a high value on preserving water quality over cutting corners at the potential detriment to clean water. In this poll by the American Sustainable Business Council, 71% of small business owners agree that clean water is necessary for jobs and a healthy economy, an opinion that was held across party lines.


So let’s celebrate our beautiful waters and be diligent about keeping ecosystems and water supplies healthy. It’s just good business.

Learn more at mnawwa.org

Must-See Waterfalls in Minnesota

We appreciate the importance of water in every aspect of our lives. Water has the power to carve out valleys, move mountains, sustain life, and elicit awe. The natural wonders created by water can be appreciated right here in Minnesota. Here are some must-see waterfalls that will surely impress. Plan to visit one (or all of them) this summer with your family!

Minnehaha Falls

Arguably the most famous waterfall in Minnesota, Minnehaha Falls is a peaceful site amidst the urban landscape of Minneapolis. Visitors can bike and walk along the expansive park and get a close-up look at the gushing water. There's even an on-site restaurant to make a day of it. For a fun winter expedition, check out the beautiful colors the ice creates when the falls are frozen!

Minneopa Falls

If you are in the Southern part of the state, the most beautiful waterfall to visit is Minneopa Falls in Mankato. Minneopa State Park includes the 40-foot fall, as well as a smaller, scenic waterfall dropping just up river. Find the perfect angle to capture both falls in one epic viewing. All this set in gorgeous scenery and rocky bluffs make this a great escape.

High Falls of the Pigeon River

Located in the northeast corner of the state where Minnesota borders Canada, High Falls on Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in the state at 120 feet. The falls thunder down a rocky cliff and flow into Lake Superior. A 1-mile hike from the nearest parking lot will allow you to visit this recluse and the natural landscape is sure to take your breath away.

Gooseberry Falls

The epitome of the north shore experience, Gooseberry Falls is just beyond Duluth in Two Harbors, MN. With 5 sets of falls through a rocky river gorge, the Gooseberry River flows out to an agate beach and into the largest lake in the world–Lake Superior. While the main falls are just a quick walk from the visitor’s entrance, there are a few others that can make for a fun hike in the nearby pine forests and rocky cliffs in this adventurous landscape.

The Cascades

Cascade River State Park is also along Lake Superior, making this the third must-see waterfall on the northern shore of Minnesota. The Cascades are a series of smaller waterfalls bumbling down a rocky slope. There are many to see; enough for an entire day of marveling as you hike.


With so many beautiful waterfalls along Lake Superior, a drive to the north shore of Minnesota would make a wondrous summer vacation. But if you would like to see some awe-inspiring waterfalls closer to you, consider Minneopa and Minnehaha Falls as excellent choices, too. It is important we all take the time to appreciate the powerful qualities of life-giving water we take for granted in this world!

You can find more information about Minnesota water on the Minnesota AWWA website.

Four Water Organizations That You Should Know About

Water is vital to the existence of every community, but millions of people across the world don’t have regular access to sanitized water. Water organizations around the world develop educational opportunities to help developing countries. Initiatives include understanding water sanitation and hygiene, addressing health concerns and issues related to unsanitary water, raising funds to support sustainable water technologies, and providing immediate access to drinkable water.

Water for People

Developed in 1991, Water for People was created out of the American Water Works Association. This non-profit organization serves in Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Malawi, Nicaragua, Perú, Rwanda, and Uganda. It aims to improve the quality of life in these communities by supporting the development and accessibility of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services. Water for People also encourages partner countries to invest in sustainability so that everyone can have a hand in reliable access to water and sanitation for years to come.

Pure Water for the World

Pure Water for the World serves communities in Central America and the Caribbean. This non-profit organization is committed to ending illnesses caused by unsanitary water sources by providing education about preventable waterborne diseases and managing sustainable and sanitary water systems. By providing educational workshops on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), the Pure Water for the World team works with local community programs in order to develop customized solutions to a community’s water problems.

Charity: Water

According to Charity: Water, nearly 663 million people drink from contaminated water sources. Based in New York but operating in over 20 countries, Charity: Water raises funds to develop water technologies for developing countries. These water technologies range from hand-dug and drilled wells, rainwater catchments, gravity-fed systems, water purification systems, and latrines.

Through the Pipeline initiative, Charity: Water helps communities to maintain water technologies long after they are installed by providing funds to train and equip local mechanics to repair systems in need, develop innovative technologies, and educate the community on clean water sustainability.

Drop in the Bucket

Drop in the Bucket’s mission is to grant clean water access to children seeking an education. One of the ways Drop in the Bucket confronts the issue of clean water is by drilling wells at schools in sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of wells on a school campus grants greater accessibility to clean water and sanitation systems to students.

Because young girls are often tasked with the chore of fetching a family’s supply of water, having wells at school improves the chances that more girls can attend and graduate school rather than spending the majority of their day traveling to get water.

Getting Involved in Minnesota

If you are wondering how you can get involved, the Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association will be sponsoring the annual Water for People Benefit Concert on April 29th at Bogart’s in Apple Valley. Featuring musical guest Big Bob and the High Rollers, the proceeds of the Water for People Benefit Concert will support the initiatives of Water for People. For more details, visit the Water for People Benefit Concert web page.


When you help support water charities with your time or money, we can come together to address the issue of clean drinking water. See what you can do to contribute to water education in your local community, and become a member of the American Water Works Association. Learn more at www.mnawwa.org.

The Benefits of Becoming a Minnesota AWWA Member

If you are looking to make a positive impact in your community, consider becoming a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The goals of the American Water Works Association are to promote public health, safety, and welfare with the effort of the entire water community. This is done through the dispersal of educational resources disseminated through the network of water professionals who include water quality specialists, operators, engineers, safety regulators, and managers. The American Water Works Association has over 50,000 members worldwide.

AWWA Member Benefits

By becoming a Minnesota AWWA member, you can enjoy special benefits. Among these include access to special member rates for workshops, national conferences, webinars, and publications. Members can also gain access to technical resources and training opportunities.

With the ability to connect with water professionals across the world, scientists and advocates of safe and clean water treatments can speak on how we can better serve our communities. From policy and legislature to implementation, see how your membership with the American Water Works Association could positively impact your community.

The best thing about being an AWWA member is the people. The people in the water industry are some of the best I have ever met from any other industry. They’re real, hard-working, inclusive people who want the best for their communities and customers. You can’t find that many other places.

– Minnesota AWWA member, Kara Fritze

Being an AWWA member allows me to feel connected to the water community on a large scale. I enjoy attending AWWA events to meet new people and learn what topics people in the industry are focused on.

– Minnesota AWWA member, Allison Wheeler

When you begin the American Water Works Association membership process, you have the option of becoming an individual, utility, or service provider member. This means your membership will be catered to your interests, skills, and the needs that you can provide to your community.

 

To learn about more experiences of real members, take a moment to watch the videos of American Water Works Association members from across the country.

Whether you have a burgeoning career in the water industry or are a veteran, these opportunities to learn and network with other water professionals are priceless. Everyone from business managers to field workers to students can benefit from these connections. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to become involved in local water issues and grow your leadership skills! Fill out this form, and become a member today. To stay on top of the latest news and events of the American Water Works Association, visit the Minnesota American Water Works Association today.

Recap of Minnesota AWWA 100th Annual Conference

The 100th Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference took place Sept. 20-23 at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center. Governor Mark Dayton declared September 22nd to be Minnesota Water Works Day.

The conference began with a day of charitable events (clay shooting, golfing, fishing) to raise funds for Water For People. Overall, 2016 MN AWWA events have raised $35,335 for Water For People and the Education Endowment. At the Convention alone, there was a record number of participants:

• 75 fishermen on 13 boats
• 50 clay shooters
• 104 golfers

Keynote speakers over the weekend included David LaFrance, CEO of the American Water Works Association, and Steve Maxwell, author of The Future of Water.

We are proud to announce that the City of St. Cloud was the 2016 Best In Glass taste test award winner for best tasting water in the state. St. Cloud’s drinking water also was selected as the 2016 People’s Choice at the Minnesota State Fair. The City of St. Cloud’s award winning water will represent Minnesota at the American Water Works Association national conference next June in Philadelphia.

New Section Positions

• Pete Moulton, the Director of Public Water Works for the City of St. Peter, was elected to the position of Section Director

• David Brown from the Metropolitan Council was elected as the Section Chair

Award Winners

• Carol Blommel Johnson - George Warren Fuller Award
• This award is presented annually by the American Water Works Association to the sections' respective selected members for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, the brilliant diplomatic talent, and the constructive leadership which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller.

• Myron Volker - Leonard N. Thompson Award
• This award is presented annually to one member for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of Leonard N. Thompson, past General Manager of the St. Paul Water Utility for nearly 34 years.

• Uma Vempati - Andrew Sullivan Outstanding Leadership Award
• This award is presented to an individual or group for exceptional service that demonstrates initiative and dedication to the drinking water profession.

• Scott Fronek - Jon Eaton Excellence in Volunteering Award
• This award is to recognize and honor an individual AWWA member who has advanced AWWA through his/her volunteer time and efforts and has been a support to AWWA staff.

Thanks to all who participated and volunteered to make the first 100 years of Minnesota AWWA a success. Raise a glass of #drinktapwater in confident optimism that the next 100 years will be even better!