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

Home

92 In the metro area, watershed activities are guided by the Metropolitan Area Surface Water Management Act (Minnesota Statutes 1038.201 to 255) which requires watersheds to prepare and implement watershed management plans. Responsibilities Master Plan Implementation Although watersheds are not directly responsible for water supply infrastructure or management, several activities may indirectly affect water supply sources in the region. • Foster incentivize low -impact development practices to reduce irrigation and increase infiltration • Use communication media to disseminate information about source water protection • Monitor groundwater -surface water connections Additional water supply -related activities Watersheds have the option to engage in water supply management, shaped by Minnesota statutes and rules. If this option is pursued, responsibilities might include: • Fund water supply protection activities (well sealing, for example) • Support stormwater infiltration approaches that protect and enhance groundwater • Monitor groundwater and surface water quality and quantity to evaluate water supply sustainability • Issue permits for water appropriations, if the watershed management organization has permitting authority • Complete a watershed management plan that is consistent with the Minnesota Rules 8410 • If a county has an approved groundwater plan, ensure that the community's own groundwater plan is consistent with it. Funding sources for implementation Drinking water infrastructure For building or maintaining infrastructure for drinking water, there are several funding options available to municipalities and drinking water utilities. These include traditional revenue generating methods such as utility water rates, and other customer fees and charges for specific benefits or services. Large capital projects often require multiple funding sources to finance projects and minimize the impact on user rates. Projects of this type can be financed through municipal revenue bonds, which are generally paid for over time by water rates, or with other sources, including low-interest loans or grants that may be available through state and federal programs. Several programs relevant to water utilities in Minnesota are described below. Some of the funding programs target small communities and rural areas, and may have limited applicability in more urbanized areas. These qualifications are noted, where possible. WATER SUPPLY MASTER PLAN- Draft June 2015