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The attachedplan submittal schedule requires the City of Ramsey(#101)to submit our draft WSP to the MNDNR <br /> by December 31,2016. The following Boards, Commissions and Committees have reviewed the draft WSP and <br /> provided comments and recommendations to the City Council: <br /> •Public Works Committee—November 15 <br /> •Environmental Policy Board—November 21 <br /> •Planning Commission—December 1 <br /> Immediately following preliminary City Council approval,the draft WSP will be submitted to the cities of <br /> Andover,Anoka,Elk River,Nowthen,and Oak Grove, as well as to Anoka County, for review and comment. Staff <br /> intends to submit the draft WSP electronically to the MNDNR on Thursday, December 29,using the MNDNR <br /> Permitting and Reporting System(MPARS). The MNDNR is responsible for sharing Ramsey's draft WSP with the <br /> Metropolitan Council. The City will need to continue to check in with the Comprehensive Plan Update assumptions <br /> to ensure consistency across system plans. This is the first step of multiple reviews. <br /> The attached WSP Instructions & Checklist contains detailed information on the plan preparation and submittal <br /> requirements. <br /> Additional information can be found on the MNDNR's Water Supply Plans web site at <br /> www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt section/appropriations/eandc plan.html <br /> The plan will require adoption of a new ordinance,which will be brought forward at a later time. The draft <br /> ordinance is in Appendix 7 and is titled"Deficiency of Water". It defines waste of water and reaffirms the authority <br /> of the City to impose reasonable restrictions on the use of water. <br /> The Public Works Committee comments are contained in the minutes approved earlier this evening. <br /> The questions from the EPB and staff responses are shown below. <br /> Q: How is pressure on the aquifer used by the City of Ramsey for water supply changing over time? <br /> A: The overall number of connections to the City's water supply system continue to increase as the population <br /> increases,but average water use per person continues to decrease over time due to more efficient fixtures,greater <br /> water conservation efforts, and tiered water charges that discourage excessive water use. The City is cooperatively <br /> working on a Northwest Metro Groundwater Supply Study to better understand impacts to area aquifers. The City <br /> is also planning to complete a groundwater well siting study in 2017 to determine the appropriate location of the <br /> City's next proposed groundwater well,currently scheduled to be constructed in 2023. <br /> Q: What causes spikes in water usage? <br /> A: During years of drought, irrigation system use increases...lawn irrigation is a major driver of water use. <br /> Q: What percentage of Ramsey is served by sewer and water compared to their own well and septic systems. <br /> A: The ratio is about 50150. <br /> Q: Is the City planning to extend the MUSA line further north? <br /> A: This will be discussed in more detail as part of the Comprehensive Plan update process. <br /> Q: What rate of demand would justify a surface water treatment plant? <br /> A: A surface water treatment plant costs many times more than constructing groundwater wells so a regional <br /> partnership would be required to make it financially feasible. <br /> Q: Do other cities along the Mississippi River use surface water treatment plants? <br /> A: Saint Cloud uses a surface water treatment plant using the Mississippi River as its source of water. <br /> Q: Does the City have a leak detection system in place to conserve water? <br /> A: The City does not have a proactive leak detection program in place at this time. However, the public water <br /> supply system includes numerous meters that can be used to detect leaks. The City also reviews existing water <br />