The Freshwater Institute is an internationally recognized program of The Conservation Fund. For more than two decades, we have been one of the nation’s premier research and development facilities dedicated to sustainable water use and reuse.

As part of the The Conservation Fund, the Freshwater Institute embraces its dual-purpose mission to promote economic development and environmental protection.  We focus on water as a natural resource asset important to ecological function, cultural heritage and economic opportunity.

From our campus in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, we combine applied research, engineering and economic development skills to show how freshwater resources achieve economic and environmental goals.

We work with government, industry, nonprofits and individuals to shape sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions to water resource management.  Our team is known for academic productivity, professional leadership and consulting creativity.