Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 10/05/2009

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Attachment A Introduction Ramsey is located on the Anoka Sand Plain and, as the name implies, is dominated by mostly sandy soils. Sandy soils have low water holding capacity, so water used to irrigate yards moves through soil and out of the root zone area quickly. Summer lawn watering in Ramsey almost triples water use to over 5 million gallons per day, which has contributed to Ramsey being identified as one ofthe largest users of non-consumptive water in the metro area. As Ramsey's population continues to grow, the demand for water will grow. Ramsey's population is forecasted to increase by roughly 12,000 people by the year 2020, putting tremendous pressure on the groundwater supply; or aquifer. As demand for water continues to rise, the aquifer, our current source of drinking water, is depleted. While groundwater is replenished or recharged by precipitation, activities such as pumping (wells), increasing impervious surfaces (roads, rooftops, driveways etc.), and climatic changes alter recharge rates, and potentially diminish the recharge of aquifers (http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3002/pdf/FS2007- 3002 web. pdt). Groundwater provides a source of drinking water and also maintains stream flow, lake levels and wetlands. Searching for and identifying ways to maintain and replenish groundwater are extremely important. As the demand for water grows, Ramsey will start looking at alternative water supply sources and may need to explore using water from the Mississippi River for its domestic water supply. This water conservation 'tool box' will provide some strategies and ideas for Ramsey residents to help limit the demand on our water supply. Link to MN DNR website for groundwater info: htt?:/ /www.dill.state.mn.us/groundwater/index.html Ramsey Rules Current Watering Restrictions To reduce peak water usage in areas served by the municipal water system, the city has enacted an odd/even sprinkling ban that is in affect between Memorial Day and Labor Day each summer. . Residents with addresses ending in an odd number can water their yards on odd numbered days and residents with addresses ending in an even number can water their yards on even numbered days. . Due to the large quantity of water that can be lost due to evaporation, no watering is permitted between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. . Certain exemptions to watering restrictions are allowed including: o Newly sodded/seeded yards are exempt from the odd/even restrictions for a period of two (2) weeks (No watering between Noon and 6:00 P.M.). o Over seeding or spot repair of existing, established yards may be watered daily with a hand controlled hose (No watering between Noon and 6:00 P.M.).