MGWA 2026 Fall Conference – Poking the Bear: How does pumping impact water quality?
Date: November 17, 2026
Location: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Abstract Deadline: August 31, 2026
Summary:
The MGWA 2026 Fall Conference will investigate how pumping-induced water quality changes are manifesting in Minnesota’s aquifers. The conference will include oral presentations, lightning talks, poster presentations, and a panel discussion.
Conference Description
It is well known that pumping can change water quality by mixing groundwater from different aquifers, mobilizing contaminants, and changing redox conditions. However, our understanding of the science behind the mechanisms, timing, and scale of these changes is still evolving. Conference attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the science around this issue, field-based techniques to measure these changes, and policy approaches that incorporate pumping and water quality. The conference will include oral presentations, lightning talks, poster presentations, and a panel discussion.
Call for Abstracts
MGWA is seeking abstracts that investigate the connection between groundwater pumping and water quality from a science, policy, resource management, and communication perspective.
Topics can include, but are not limited to:
- Pumping-induced arsenic mobilization
- Domestic well water quality changes in areas of high groundwater use
- Chemistry changes associated with managed aquifer recharge
- The impact of geology and well construction and water quality
- Geogenic contaminant mobilization
- Field investigation case studies from Minnesota and other states
- Policy and resource management approaches that consider both high-capacity pumping and water quality
- Public communication techniques for discussing pumping and water quality with impacted individuals
MGWA is accepting abstracts for the following presentation formats:
Note: you can select multiple presentation types for one abstract, but if you desire to present on more than one topic, complete a separate entry for each abstract.
- 25-minute oral presentations focused on pumping and groundwater quality (see topics above).
- Poster presentations on any groundwater-related topic. Poster presenters are also encouraged to give lighting talks to highlight their posters to a captive audience. Student presenters will be given priority for poster presentation and lightning talks, but all are welcome to submit abstracts for any presentation format.
- Lightning talks on any groundwater-related topic. Lightning talks are 5-minute presentations (or less) of 1-2 slides given to the entire audience from the podium. Lightning talks can be done independently, or in combination with posters. Student presenters will be given priority for poster presentation and lightning talks, but all are welcome to submit abstracts for any presentation format.
MGWA is committed to developing a just, equitable, and inclusive groundwater community. Click on the button below to read MGWA’s full diversity statement.
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