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

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86 public water suppliers that want to engage in water supply planning. DNR ensures that water use permits for public water suppliers are congruent with that community's local water supply plan. In the metropolitan area, the DNR collaborates with the Metropolitan Council on water supply planning activities. Through its local water supply plan review and approval process, the DNR ensures that local water supply plans reflect the Metropolitan Council's Master Water Supply Plan efforts. Responsibilities Master Water Supply Plan Implementation • Develop a local water supply plan template and notify public water suppliers of the timeline for completing their plan • In partnership with Metropolitan Council, review local water supply plans for consistency with the metropolitan area master water supply plan • Administering the water appropriation permit program to ensure water appropriation permits are consistent with approved local water supply plans • In partnership with the Metropolitan Council, providing advice for plan development and implementation, including guidance on demand reduction methods and water conservation Additional water supply -related activities • Monitor groundwater and basin water levels, stream flow, and climate • Map natural resources, including geologic atlases and ecological surveys • Develop sustainability thresholds • Establish Groundwater Management Areas in areas with difficult groundwater -related resource challenges Minnesota Department of Health Role The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has three primary areas of responsibility that relate to water supply planning: • Regulate public water supplies under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and state rules and statutes • Regulate well construction including designation of special well and boring construction areas • Assessment of drinking water contaminant risks The MDH Drinking Water Protection Program protects public health by ensuring a safe and adequate supply of drinking water at all public water systems, which are those that serve water to the public. The MDH Well Management Program protects both public health and groundwater by assuring the proper construction of new wells and borings, and the proper sealing of unused wells and borings. The MDH Environmental Surveillance and Assessment Program operates in collaboration with local, state, and federal environmental and health agencies and academic institutions to collect and assess data regarding exposures to chemicals and other substances that may pose health risks to the public. Water supply planning activities include assisting public water supplies with infrastructure planning and response to drinking water contaminant issues, and planning for wellhead protection for public water supplies. A number of advisory groups provide input and advice to the MDH on drinking water issues. These include the Water Utility Council, the Advisory Council on Wells and Borings, and the Advisory Council on Water Supply Systems and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. In addition, the MDH provides technical assistance to local government, public water supply staff and the public, and access to water planning information through resources like the County Well Index. WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN- Draft June 2015