Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/06/2014

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Water Supply Considerations The Mississippi River supplied water to early development in the region, but groundwater wells have been used to accommodate the region's outward growth. This increasing reliance on groundwater over time has become a significant issue. In parts of the region, groundwater levels are declining. In some cases, it is affecting, or has the potential to affect, lake levels. A pressing concern is the impact that future development could have on the reliability of groundwater as a water source. In 2005, the Minnesota State Legislature authorized the Metropolitan Council to take on planning and management of regional water supply issues. The Council's goal, articulated in the Master Water Supply Plan, is a sustainable water supply for current and future generations. To achieve this goal, the Plan identified two important issues to address: the unbalanced use of groundwater versus surface water resources, and the unplanned modification of important groundwater recharge areas. Figure 1 identifies the communities that sustainable water use can be re-established through a better balance of groundwater and surface water supply, and through better management of vulnerable recharge areas. Figure 1. Sustainable Water Supply Hgh Recharge Potential Ma of Recharge Potential Extreme= f{rgh & Law Low Recharge potential Moderate Recharge Potential nProximity to Surface Water Sourc S Lakes and Rivers Cities are responsible for planning their local water supply and obtaining permits from state agencies. These agencies, which protect the state's water resources and ensure safe drinking water, include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Department of Health. Because of the Metropolitan Council's planning work completed with the Master Water Supply Plan, the region now has a better understanding of the impact of development and water use on underground aquifers, as well as potential solutions to long-term sustainability. As communities plan for the future, they should consider both the implications of their water supply for future growth and how their land use patterns affect water supply. The map above is intentionally illustrative. See the Council's website and the Master Water Supply Plan for up-to-date maps of groundwater recharge potential. For specific approaches, policies and additional analysis related to groundwater, visit: • the Sustainability section of the Thrive Outcomes (p. 29) • the Orderly and Efficient Land Use policy (p. 64) • the Water Sustainability Land Use policy (p. 69) • the 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan • the metropolitan area Master Water Supply Plan. DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Last revised: February 21, 2014 46