Clean Water Fund
On November 4, 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the constitution to: protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
The Amendment increases the sales and use tax rate by three-eighths of one percent on taxable sales, starting July 1, 2009, continuing through 2034. Of those funds, approximately 33 percent will be dedicated to a Clean Water Fund to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater, with at least five percent of the fund targeted to protect drinking water sources. Total funding for the FY2010-2011 biennium is approximately $150.8M.
Metropolitan Council Clean Water Fund Activities
The Metropolitan Council received $400,000 from the Clean Water Fund for FY10 in the 2009 legislative session and an additional $400,000 from the Clean Water Fund for FY11 in the 2010 legislative session to implement the Metropolitan Area Master Water Supply Plan. Funding is being used to evaluate water resources and identify water supplies to sustainably meet current and future growth in the Twin Cities area. Details are provided in the Metropolitan Council's 2011 Report to the Minnesota Legislature, 'Metropolitan Area Water Supply Planning: Clean Water Fund Activities'.
Specific activities include:
- Hydrogeologic and Groundwater Chemistry Assessment - Clean Water Fund $74,200
On behalf of the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Geological Survey conducted an assessment of the hydraulic properties and chemistry of selected aquifers in the metro area and developed a robust database of groundwater age, aquifer hydraulic conductivity, and groundwater chemistry data. The information will be made available to resource managers to improve the understanding of local groundwater resources and be used to update the regional groundwater flow model. Report. For the full database, please contact Lanya Ross at (651) 602-1803 or lanya.ross@metc.state.mn.us.
- Evaluation of Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction – Clean Water Fund $101,000
The relationship between groundwater and surface water was analyzed for metropolitan area lakes, wetlands, streams, and springs. This effort supports water appropriation permit decisions, sub-regional water supply management plan development, future updates of the Master Water Supply Plan, and re-calibration of the regional groundwater flow model. This study identified surface waters most likely to be impacted by groundwater withdrawals in the region. Guidance documents were also developed to provide information about effective monitoring site selection, data collection frequency, and equipment installation and maintenance costs. Report and supporting files.
- Assessment of East Bethel Water Availability – Clean Water Fund $110,200
A local water resource assessment was conducted in the East Bethel area, where the city and Metropolitan Council are working closely to design a water reclamation and reuse center to treat wastewater generated by projected growth. The project evaluated land use, water, and sewer plans using a local groundwater flow model to identify potential risks to high-value water resources. Model results informed the development of water supply system options and monitoring strategies to avoid adverse water resource impacts. This project is also being used as a pilot to demonstrate how water supply planning can be aligned with regional planning including sewer service expansion.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis of Water Conservation – Clean Water Fund $77,000
A project is in progress to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing water conservation programs to water utilities. This project will result in the development of tools for water utilities to calculate potential water savings, estimate program implementation costs, and test the effects of various water conservation rate structures. These tools will be made available through the Metropolitan Council’s website when completed.
- Groundwater Contaminant Plume Mapping – Clean Water Fund $78,000*
In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Geological Survey, the Metropolitan Council is developing an index of existing groundwater contaminant plumes in the Metropolitan Area. Making this information available to water resource managers and land use planners will improve the evaluation of supply availability and identification of potential issues related to well installation and plume migration. The information will be made available through an online mapping application as it becomes available.
- Seminary Fen Protection – Clean Water Fund $94,000*
The Metropolitan Council is conducting technical analyses and leading a stakeholder process to evaluate potential threats to the Seminary Fen, a calcareous wetland in Southeastern Carver County. This rare and sensitive water feature relies on the discharge of groundwater to sustain a unique and protected plant community. Growing communities near the fen also rely on groundwater. The project will result in the development and implementation of a management plan that protects the integrity of the Seminary Fen while meeting communities’ need for water.
- Stormwater Reuse Guidance – Clean Water Fund $87,470
The Metropolitan Council Stormwater Reuse Guide introduces effective alternative techniques for stormwater reuse for the purpose of reducing demand on Twin Cities metropolitan area potable water supplies. Tailored for city planners, engineers, and green thinkers, the Guide provides step-by-step instructions that describe how to bring a stormwater reuse project from concept through assessment to implementation. A stepwise series of tools are provided to characterize the source stormwater, identify the intended use, assess the feasibility of the concept, and then select and implement the appropriate collection, storage, treatment, and distribution components of the project. The Guide is designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate, both electronically and on paper. Report and supporting files (zip file, 7.27 MB).
- Mapping the Vulnerability of Glacial Aquifers – Clean Water Fund $40,000*
On behalf of the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Geological Survey is working with the Minnesota Department of Health to evaluate the vulnerability of glacial aquifers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The project will incorporate newly-compiled aquifer property data and geologic maps into established vulnerability assessment methods. The project will result in a map of glacial aquifer productivity and vulnerability, which can be used to inform water supply and land use development decisions.
- South Washington County Water Supply Plan – Clean Water Fund $98,000*
The Metropolitan Council is conducting technical analyses and leading a stakeholder process to evaluate projected water demand, groundwater contamination, and potential natural resource impacts in southern Washington County. One of the major goals of this effort is the protection of the Valley Branch trout stream. The project will result in the development and implementation of a management plan to ensure that a high quality water supply is available to meet projected demand while protecting water resources.