Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/19/2016

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5.01: Consideration of Recommending Preliminary City Council Approval of Draft Water Supply Plan City Planner Anderson presented the staff report, noting that the purpose of the case is to obtain a recommendation from the EPB for preliminary City Council approval of the City's draft Water Supply Plan. He stated that staff recommends that the Board recommend preliminary City Council approval of the draft WSP Plan with or without modifications, as the Board deems appropriate. City Engineer Westby provided background information on the WSP and the process the City follows to update and receive approval of the plan. He explained that the DNR has streamlined the process to make it easier for the agency to review and noted that the Metropolitan Council will also review the plan once submitted. He noted that the WSP attached to the case is a working document and will be fully completed prior to submission to the DNR, noting that staff plans to submit electronically on Thursday, December 29th. He stated that he is present to address any questions the Board may have and noted that the plan will be shared with the neighboring cities and Anoka County after preliminary approval is granted by the City Council, which is scheduled for December 13th Councilmember LeTourneau asked if there is a projected timeline, specifically regarding the pressure on the aquifer and how that is changing over time. City Engineer Westby stated that the City is working cooperatively on a northwest metro groundwater study. He stated that the costs associated with treating surface water is much higher than groundwater and therefore it has been allowed to continue to drill for groundwater wells. He stated that the CIP includes funds for a well study to determine where the aquifer would support an additional well, which is scheduled to be added in 2023. He stated that the water connections continue to increase in correlation with the population being served but noted that the use per person has decreased. He stated that is due to more efficient fixtures, more water conservation efforts, as well as the incentivized tiered water charges. Board Member Hiatt stated that the general trend is going down and asked what would cause the spikes in usage. City Engineer Westby explained that there are years of drought compared to wet years where irrigation is less used. He confirmed that irrigation is a major driver of the increased water use. Board Member Hiatt asked the percentage of Ramsey that is served by sewer and water compared to their own well and septic. City Engineer Westby replied that the rate is split about 50/50. Board Member Hiatt asked if there are plans to extend the MUSA line further north. City Engineer Westby stated that will be a part of the Comprehensive Plan update discussions. Environmental Policy Board/November 21, 2016 Page 2 of 6