Agenda - Council - 07/28/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Where communities provided local data, these data replaced Council estimates. Given the variability in water use due to climatic, economic and other conditions, the Council recognizes that actual water use is likely to fluctuate around an average value by approximately 40%. This information is useful and appropriate for regional planning and modeling, but not for local water system capacity planning. For example, local water supply planning also considers peak demand in addition to average daily use. Therefore, these projections are not intended for local water system capacity planning purposes (Metropolitan Council, 2014c). Industrial processing & commercial — self supplied The region's total industrial and commercial water demand is expected to remain relatively constant, although the location of water use and the adoption of water conservation strategies are likely to change in ways that are difficult to predict. As more information is collected about water use by private industry and commerce, projections for future industrial water use may change. For example, the region could become more attractive for businesses moving from states facing future water shortages. Irrigation — self supplied Agricultural water demand is expected to remain relatively constant or to increase slightly in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Some counties, such as Dakota County, are likely to continue experiencing higher agricultural irrigation rates relative to other counties. In general, expansion of agricultural irrigation systems is assumed to be offset by improved irrigation efficiency and conversion of agricultural land to other development. Managing and conserving water The population and economy of the metro area are growing and demands on municipal water systems continue to increase. The metro area has enough water in the short-term, but long-term projections predict potentially significant impacts to aquifers if water continues to be consumed at current or higher rates and using current sources. A key factor in mitigating possible problems is for residents, businesses, water suppliers, and elected officials to work together to become more water efficient. There are many opportunities for more efficient water use and conservation across the region, and the benefits of more efficient use and water conservation extend beyond the preservation of water sources and the ecosystems and recreational water features they support. For example, water conservation may also reduce energy and treatment chemical use and offset future infrastructure investments. The value of water conservation was a common theme at public meetings and other outreach for this Master Plan. Some challenges that need to be overcome were also identified, including: • Mitigating the impact of decreased water use on utility revenue • Lack of funding for local education, incentive and enforcement activities • Different conservation approaches for different users (e.g. residents, industries, agricultural irrigators) • Building public support • Need for subregional and regional coordination regarding conservation targets and implementation Municipal supply For public water suppliers, conserving water means educating customers, adopting inclined block rates with sufficiently high prices in upper tiers (which charge more per unit of water as water use increases), and enacting water conservation regulations. WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN- Draft June 2015 25