Minnesota Well Water Education and Local Leadership (MN-WELL) is a new initiative developed to train community volunteers to support private well users across the state. The program aims to equip volunteers with knowledge and tools to provide educational resources to individuals who have questions about their wells or well water. This pilot program, a partnership with Freshwater and UMN Extension, will take place in two focus areas of the Central Sands Region and Northwestern Minnesota.
Minnesota Water Stewards (MWS) is a program that certifies and supports volunteer community leaders to prevent water pollution and educate community members to conserve and protect our shared waters. The Well Water Stewards specialty focuses on engaging with private well owners and users to support them in testing their well water, connecting with local water professionals, and exploring resources for safe drinking water.
Below is a summary of participation in this pilot program:
- Apply online below, priority deadline by November 3, 2025
- Attend a meeting with local water professionals
- Complete a series of online coursework and check-ins (~30 hours) from November 2025-March 2026
- Complete an action step to improve water in your community
- Start assisting at drinking water testing clinics in spring/summer 2026
- There is no cost to participate
Once certified, volunteering can take on many forms. You will join the MWS community of folks working for water across the state and your work may include:
- Volunteering at drinking water testing clinics
- Assisting in transportation needs for drinking water testing clinics
- Tabling at community events
- Implementing water quality and quantity projects
- Having conversations with community members about safe drinking water
Funding for this pilot program is provided by the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment in partnership with Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota Extension.
