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DNR recently stated that they used state of the art groundwater flow models for White Bear Lake <br /> and found that the levels of the lake would be sustainable. He believed that it would be crazy for <br /> Ramsey to study an expensive way to obtain lower quality, more expensive water, and therefore <br /> he would not support this action. He stated that he also does not support anything that brings the <br /> Metropolitan Council into Ramsey. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if there is a cost to the City to have the study completed. <br /> City Engineer Westby confirmed that the only cost to the City would be the staff time used. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if there is a known length of time before there would be issues <br /> with the aquifer. <br /> City Engineer Westby replied that there is no known timeline. He stated that as far as staff can <br /> tell the system is operating fine. He noted that before another well could be drilled, a study <br /> would need to be done to determine the best locations. He confirmed that there are no known <br /> issues with the aquifer at this time. He stated that this would allow the City to look at a more <br /> sustainable water supply source that recharges more quickly. He stated that the City has had <br /> these discussions with the DNR and Metropolitan Council and even if the City chose to move <br /> forward with surface water, groundwater could be used as a backup. <br /> Councilmember Shryock stated that Ramsey only has one aquifer available and asked how <br /> unique that is in the metro area. She asked the type of information that would be provided <br /> through the study. <br /> City Engineer Westby replied that the study would look at the alternatives and options for this <br /> area for surface water supply. He stated that it would explore the feasibility of a surface water <br /> supply, plant and potential cost. He was unsure of the number of communities that only have <br /> one aquifer available to draw from. He stated that there are roughly seven or eight aquifers <br /> available to different communities in the metro area because of the different depths. He stated <br /> that there is one more aquifer below the aquifer Ramsey uses, but Ramsey is not allowed to use <br /> that aquifer. <br /> Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked if the adjacent communities in Anoka County are also <br /> accessing the same aquifer that Ramsey utilizes. <br /> City Engineer Westby replied that many other communities have access to the same aquifer that <br /> Ramsey uses, but noted that some of those communities have access to additional aquifers. <br /> Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that it was his recollection that the region is worried about the <br /> growth in the region and how that will affect the aquifer in the future, rather than the current <br /> demand. He stated that the greatest area of recharge is within the Ramsey area and therefore <br /> there was concern on how to meet the recharge demand at a rate that will equal the rate of use in <br /> the future. <br /> City Council/October 23,2018 <br /> Page 9 of 13 <br />