Agenda - Council - 06/26/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SECTION 4 — WATER SUPPLY AND TREATMENT A. GENERAL This section evaluates water supply and treatment alternatives for the City of Ramsey. Two alternatives for water supply were considered: 1) surface water sources utilizing the Mississippi River; and 2) ground water sources as are currently utilized. The following paragraphs will summarize each of these alternatives as well as the treatment required for each alternative. B. WATER SUPPLY ALTERNATIVES 1. Surface Water Sources The City of Ramsey is bordered to the south by the Mississippi River. Minneapolis Water Works, St. Paul Regional Water Services, and the City of St. Cloud obtain water for drinking water purposes from the Mississippi River. Typically, smaller communities have not found it cost effective to obtain water from this source due to the treatment requirements of a surface water source compared to the cost of obtaining and treating ground water sources. However, with the increasing demand being placed on local aquifers, and the decreasing costs of advanced membrane technologies, the Mississippi River is a viable option for providing water to the City of Ramsey. A pilot study for treating water from the Mississippi River was conducted in 2007. Results from this study are summarized in the February 25, 2008 Water Supply and Treatment Evaluation Report prepared by Bolton & Menk, Inc. The 2008 evaluation concluded the following: 1. Water from the Mississippi River can be collected through a direct intake collection system. Attempts at collecting water through a riverbank infiltration system did not provide economically viable quantities of water from the River. 2. Pre-treatment of the water from the Mississippi River will be required to remove grit, sand and organics prior to the filtration process. 3. Conventional treatment with ultra -filtration membranes will provide water which meets State and Federal Drinking Water Standards. Based on the City of Ramsey, Minnesota — R13.104504 Page 4-1 Comprehensive Water System Study Prepared by Bolton & Menk, Inc.