About WMWA

The West Metro Water Alliance (WMWA) is a working group of agencies with a common interest in water quality and stormwater management. The group collaborates on various projects related to education and outreach on water quality issues, including development of an e-newsletter, printed materials, education program, workshops and campaigns.

WMWA partners include:

Water Links e-newsletter

Water Links is a monthly e-newsletter that features news, events, project updates and tips related to water quality issues.

Read the past issues or sign up.

WMWA environmental educators

Environmental educators from WMWA are available to implement a series of lessons on watersheds and water quality in fourth grade classrooms. The lessons have been developed to meet the Minnesota State Science Standards and will be tailored for each school.

Schools located with the Bassett Creek, Elm Creek, Shingle Creek and West Mississippi watersheds can request environmental educators to implement any or all of the following lessons:

  • What is a Watershed and Why Do We Care? - Includes an overview of the concept of a watershed, a look at the watershed where the school is located and an exploration of the threats to a watershed
  • The Water Cycle: An Incredible Journey - Explore the movement of water, the states of water and how water is polluted and cleansed as it moves through the cycle
  • Stormwater Walk - Investigate the movement of surface water on your school groupnds by creating a stormwater map of your schoolyard, predicting the flow of water, identify sources of pollution and discuss strategies to collect and manage stormwater

WMWA educators are also available to help you implement community/service learning projects, plan a school event and develop additional water-themed lessons.

For more information or to request an educator at your school, email Judie.

Water quality educational resources 

Water quality brochure

Ten Things You Can Do to Improve Minnesota's Lakes, Rivers and Streams brochure (pdf)

Ten steps you can take in caring for your house and lawn that will help protect water quality.

Water quality newsletter articles

The articles developed by WMWA are provided for use by our partners in community newsletters, newspapers and websites to promote practices that protect water quality. 

  • Adopt a Storm Drain - Tips on protecting nearby nearby bodies of water by keeping storm drains clear.
  • Earth-friendly Lawn Care Tips - Tips on maintaining a healthy lawn while minimizing your impact on the environment.
  • Five Easy Things - Five easy steps you can take to improve the water quality of lakes, rivers and streams.
  • Rain Gardens - Information about how rain gardens reduce runoff and resources that offer more information about installing rain gardens.
  • Water Quality Brochure - 10 things that you can do to in your lawn, garden and around your house to improve Minnesota's lakes, rivers and streams.

Watersheds

Additional assistance and resources may be available from the watershed organization in your area. Learn more about the watershed organizations in Hennepin County.