Welcome

 
Rotary has the power to make waves — literally. On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, Rotary Clubs across five states in 5 Districts will unite for a powerful, multi-district clean water project. Together, we’ll show the world the impact Rotary makes when we take action on one of our most critical causes — clean water and sanitation.
 
This coordinated day of service will not only transform communities but also create a public image blitz across social media, news outlets, and community channels. Imagine dozens of projects — from river and lake cleanups to water filtration installations and safe drinking water education — all happening on the same day, with Rotary logos and volunteers in action everywhere. Watch Video
 

Our goal:

  • Mobilize clubs across all participating Districts.
  • Share photos, videos, and impact stories in real time to flood the public conversation with Rotary’s work.
  • Highlight how Rotary takes tangible action on Earth Day to protect our planet and provide life’s most basic need — clean water.


Resources - Check the side panel for a list of resources

 
Curious how all water is connected check out this website  WaterSense | US EPA.
 

How about here in South Dakota? Check out the Western Dakota Regional Water System at Western Dakota Regional Water System

 

Project Ideas

Adopt a Drain, depending on where you live in MN there may be drains to keep clean and free of debris.

Adopt a Highway/Roadside pick ups are a trickle-down benefit to water. Many ditches have culverts and/or streams that pass through them - it's important to keep that water litter and debris free.

The Minnesota Humanities Center (with many statewide partners) has a traveling exhibit called "We Are Water MN". Happy Dancing Turtle hosted it a few years ago. It's educational and fun with information about clean water as well as local to the community it's hosted in. The exhibit is located in Bloomington, right now. There are often events with the exhibit including water tastings, and water testing clinics, too.

Be mindful of Aquatic Invasive Species - follow the recommendations to make sure you aren't responsible for the transportation of an invasive species and the subsequent infestation of a favorite water body. DNR has information about infested lakes, and steps to avoid transportation. AIS impact recreation, fishing, and property values. 
    Each August there is a statewide search for Starry Stonewort (and Aquatic Invasive Plant) called Starry Trek. Great volunteer opportunity. 

Shoreline restoration projects and Natural Shorelines are important in water quality, too. Many of these projects are put in by groups of volunteers. More information (and potentially support) is available through local county Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Cass County SWCD has a great website that includes info about shorelines and many other initiatives that support and protect soil health and water quality.

Get the Lead Out is a program working to eliminate lead in fishing tackle. This is particularly important for loons. 

As actively as possible, avoid application of chemicals that will run-off into water ways/water bodies OR infiltrate into ground water. This is everything from pesticide and fertilizer to salt on sidewalks and driveways. If avoidance isn't possible, use sparingly and be mindful of the weather forecast. 

Regarding winter salt, recommend to local units of government that they are familiar with or trained in "Smart Salting".  Good read and recommendations for homeowners regarding salting. Additional chloride reduction information. **1tsp of salt pollutes 5 gallons of water.