Agenda - Council - 08/11/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As previously mentioned, the 2015 MWSP will incorporate new data and information that has been collected since 2010 including: • New population projections- Metropolitan Council • Screening of groundwater and surface water relationships- Metropolitan Council • Mapping of the vulnerability of bedrock aquifers to flow through glacial sediments- MN Geological Survey • New aquifer testing data collected through community source water protection programs- MN Department of Health • New groundwater level monitoring data- MN Department of Natural Resources • Water supply alternative feasibility assessments- Metropolitan Council in partnership with communities Municipalities and Public Water Suppliers are therefore being asked to: • Provide guidance on the content and format of the MWSP • Provide feedback on regional water supply issues, including challenges and opportunities • Share local data about water resources and water supply planning • Review draft technical analysis and planning tools • Review draft Master Water Supply Plan and provide comments More information on the MWSP is available at http: //metrocouncil. org/Wastewater-Water/Planning/Water-Supply-Planning/Master-Water-Supply-Plan. aspx. The Metropolitan Council released the draft 2015 MWSP for public comment on June 25th. The full 955 page draft plan is attached for reference. Also attached is a 2 page document titled "How to Navigate the Master Water Supply Plan" to assist in reviewing the draft plan. Lastly, attached is the City of Ramsey's response which incorporates all comments received from the City Council upon reviewing the draft response at the July 28th Council meeting. Plan review responses must be submitted by 5 pm, Friday, August 21. The Metropolitan Council will adopt the updated Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Master Water Supply Plan in the fall of 2015. Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: Chapter 1 provides an overview of the draft 2015 MWSP and outlines the rationale and benefits of water supply planning, identifies updates being made to the plan, and describes how the plan can be used to guide planning efforts at the local level, including the potential need to use a multi -community approach in planning for future water supply needs. Chapter 2 discusses the goal, guiding principles and vision of the draft 2015 MWSP, and states "the Master Water Supply Plan's single overarching goal is that the region's water supply is sustainable now and in the future." The City's draft response letter acknowledges and supports this goal, though it also stresses the need to achieve this goal in an equitable manner through partnering with other communities. Chapter 3 explores the region's current and projected water use demands, and water conservation options. Chapter 4 considers major water supply sources available to the region, and summarizes challenges and opportunities associated with the major water supply sources. Chapter 5 looks at water supply issues facing the region, including how they vary across the region. Chapter 6 identifies some measurable outcomes that can be tracked to monitor progress toward the goal of sustainability.