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

Home

Since then, many projects have been undertaken and multiple sub -regional work groups have been formed and begun analyses of various water supply approaches. Examples include: • Update of the Metro Model 2 to Metro Model 3 • Mapping of aquifer properties to provide better local and regional information about aquifer extent, capacity, recharge and vulnerability to contamination • An updated Conservation Toolbox and a new StormwaterReuse Guide More information about these and other efforts are available on the Council website at http://www. metrocouncil. org/Wastewater-Water/Planning/Water-Supply-Planning/Studies-Projects-Workgroups- (1).aspx One of the outcomes of previous work, particularly efforts by sub -regional water supply work groups, is the identification of remaining gaps in information and implementation tools. Some key information and tools are still needed to support the approach outlined in Table 4 above. New strategies The rest of this chapter outlines strategies to address water supply needs that were identified through previous projects, by subregional work groups, and through the update of the Water Resources Policy Plan. In partnership with others, the Metropolitan Council will: 1.Collaborate with partners to update the Master Water Supply Plan 2. Review and comment on plans and permits 3.Conduct technical studies 4. Facilitate collaboration to address water supply issues 5. Promote and support water conservation 6. Investigate reusing treated wastewater 7.Support investments in water supply For each strategy, information is provided about key partners and their possible roles and what successful achievement of the strategy might look like. The desired achievements identified for each strategy reflect input from the region's many water supply stakeholders. However, their success is dependent on the availability of Metropolitan Council and partners' funding and staffing resources. Strategy 1: Collaborate with partners to update the Master Water Supply Plan The Metropolitan Council will collaborate with state agencies, watershed organizations, and community water suppliers to update the regional Master Water Supply Plan as new information becomes available and as the comprehensive development guide for the metropolitan area, Thrive MSP 2040, is updated. The Council promotes water sustainability through the Master Water Supply Plan, and through the review of local water supply plans, surface water management plans, comprehensive plans, and comprehensive sewer plans. The Council's work to support collaboration and coordination is guided by Minnesota statutes (473.1565), and it supports the Council's policy on sustainable water supplies (Water Resources Policy Plan). This effort also supports community efforts to improve water supply resiliency through the identification and evaluation of potential water supply issues and economically and technically feasible water supply alternatives. This collaboration with agency partners is critical to ensure inclusion of all opinions and points of view regarding the region's water supplies. For example, increased collaboration will address the issue of regulatory complexity that was repeatedly raised by stakeholders during the update of the Master WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN- Draft June 2015