Freshwater Future Weekly: April 17, 2026

This Week: Upcoming Events - Save Your Spot; Indiana Residents: Knowledge is Power: Apply for Free Private Well Testing; State Legislative Update: Large Water Withdrawals and Data Centers; Join the Freshwater Future Team!

Upcoming Events – Save Your Spot!

Next Week – Fundraising Basics for Nonprofits

Your organization’s important work requires funds. Join us at the Fundraising Basics Webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 12 pm ET to learn about different sources of funds as well as methods to raise funds from individuals. We’ll share tips to connect with potential supporters and boost your confidence to start fundraising immediately. Register today! Please note that this session will not be recorded.

Wednesday April 29 – Mindfulness and Movement

Set aside a small part of your day and join us for a free 45-minute session to relax and restore! This 45-minute gathering will be led by Jonathan Relucio, a mindfulness facilitator and coach with over 20 years of leadership and community organizing experience. All are invited to this 11:30 am ET event – please feel free to share. Register today and thank yourself later! 

Indiana Residents: Knowledge is Power: Apply for Free Private Well Testing

Residents with private drinking water wells may qualify for free testing through the 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network. Participation helps residents learn about their own water quality while helping Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) track groundwater quality across the state. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here; applications are due June 1st.

State Legislative Update: Large Water Withdrawals and Data Centers

Very few laws regulating large water users including data centers have passed since Freshwater Future’s last update in January, but time remains for most Great Lakes states’ legislative sessions. Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan state legislators are all considering bills that would strengthen water use and quality protections, add reporting requirements, protect consumers, and improve transparency. Michigan and New York are both considering data center moratoriums of one and two years, respectively. Four Ohio bills address data centers, including a full ban on non-disclosure requirements and creating a commission to study environmental impacts. 

Indiana and Wisconsin’s legislative sessions ended already this year without passing any bills related to water use, and there have not been any data center bills introduced in Pennsylvania. Freshwater Future will continue to keep you updated on opportunities to take action on key issues impacting our Great Lakes. 

Join the Freshwater Future Team! 

Freshwater Future is currently hiring a Director of Development. Visit our website for a job description and how to apply. 

Take Actions: Together, Our Voices Make a Difference