Metro WaterShed Partners

The WaterShed Partners is an innovative, dynamic coalition of over 60 public, private and non-profit organizations in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota metropolitan area. Through collaborative education and outreach, we promote a public understanding that inspires people to act to protect water quality in their watershed.

What We Do 

The WaterShed Partners believe that by working together and pooling resources, we can reach more people with information about the importance of clean water and what to do to keep it clean. To learn about the work of the WaterShed Partners, go to the Current Projects page.

What is an urban watershed? 

A watershed, or drainage basin, is the area of land that rain and snowmelt flows over on its way to entering a lake, river, or wetland. Even if your home is not next to a lake, river, or wetland, you still live in a watershed.

What is runoff pollution? 

Water that becomes polluted when it picks up things like grass clippings, leaves, pesticides, motor oil, and pet waste is called run-off pollution. In the city, water flows over streets and into  into storm drains, which drain directly into and eventually into rivers and streams without being treated. When water picks ups trash or pollutants, it carries them directly into the nearest lake or river. That is why it is important to cut down on lawn fertilizers, rake up leaves and grass clippings, and keep our streets clean.

Volunteer... 

At the WaterShed Partners exhibit in the DNR building at the Minnesota State Fair, August 23 to September 3. See more information and the shifts calendar.

Monthly meetings 

The WaterShed Partners meet the second Wednesday of each month to network, share information and hear presentations on important topics related to stormwater education.

Next meeting 

Please join the WaterShed Partners for a Paddleboat Tour & Floating Workshop on the Anson Northrup Paddleboat on the Mississippi River, Pool 2, June 13, 2012 from 8 to 11:45 am. This event will feature presentations by John Anfinson and Tim Schlagenhaft on Asian Carp and the History of Pool 2, and from the Army Corp of Engineers on potential island building and channel realignment projects in lower Pool 2.   

See the attached invitation for directions and more information.

Click here to go to the WaterShed Partners meetings archive