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The City supports the reduction of water consumption through further exploration and implementation <br />of water conservation methods including irrigation reduction practices and stormwater and wastewater <br />reuse. The City also supports promoting infiltration practices to aid in groundwater recharge. <br />Based on our review of the draft 2015 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Master Water Supply Plan we did <br />not identify any new goals or initiatives that significantly conflict with current goals or initiatives of the <br />City of Ramsey. However, based on other recent Met Council plan reviews we continue to question <br />whether the draft 2015 MWSP accurately reflects population growth forecasts for the region, and <br />therefore question the accuracy of some of the information included in the draft 2015 MWSP. <br />The draft 2015 MWSP does not appear to create any new requirements for the City of Ramsey, but <br />instead appears to expand upon existing guidelines that could ultimately result in the City needing to <br />consider the use of surface water for some or all of our water supply needs, instead of continuing to use <br />groundwater aquifers. Because the City of Ramsey borders the Mississippi River, the City was previously <br />directed to explore the use of the river as a potential water supply source before any new groundwater <br />supply wells would be permitted. In response, the City completed a study which showed that a surface <br />water treatment facility may indeed be technically feasible, though it would not be economically <br />feasible if the intent is to serve only our water supply needs. However, it could be economically feasible <br />if multiple communities were to partner in constructing a regional surface water treatment facility to <br />serve the needs of all partnering communities. <br />The City of Ramsey appreciates the opportunity to review and respond to the draft 2015 MWSP and <br />hopes that the Metropolitan Council will continue to work with the City to address our local water <br />supply concerns and needs. Please note that our concerns with the population forecasts are not about <br />our future land use vision, but rather how that vision relates to current infrastructure capacities, as well <br />as future infrastructure investments and funding opportunities. <br />If you have any questions on these comments, please call me at 763-433-9825, or email me at <br />bwestby@cityoframsey.com. <br />Sincerely, <br />Bruce Westby, P.E. <br />City Engineer <br />C: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator <br />2IPage <br />