Water Supply Planning Activities

The 2005 Minnesota State Legislature passed a measure that directs the Metropolitan Council to address the water supply needs of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.1565 Metropolitan Area Water Supply Planning; Advisory Committee

Information gathering and initial assessment (2006)

The Council undertook several activities to assess water supply availability, evaluate the decision-making and approval process, and address water supply safety, security and reliability. Our efforts during the first phase culminated with a report to the 2007 Minnesota Legislature: Water Supply Planning in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area

Developing the master water supply plan (2007-2008)

Institutional Arrangements and Funding	The Council is working local jurisdictions and the Advisory Committee to explore and identify governance mechanisms to implement improvements and programs. We are also developing strategies for ongoing and long-term funding for metropolitan area water supply planning activities and capital improvements.
Mapping Groundwater Contamination Investigation Areas	The Council is working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to identify geographic areas, of about a square mile or more, where movement of contaminants from specific sites or from non-point sources of contamination may have impacted groundwater. This analysis will help us identify areas where groundwater may need specific treatment in order to be a suitable drinking water source. This analysis will also help us evaluate the impacts new public water supply wells may have on the movement of contaminants.
Metro Groundwater Model	The Council is constructing a Twin Cities metropolitan area groundwater flow model (Metro Model) to help Council staff and stakeholders assess current and projected withdrawals, future water availability, and to identify alternatives in areas facing possible future water supply limitations.
Mississippi Flow Analysis	The Council is partnering with the USGS to characterize regional low flows in the Mississippi River and estimate the likelihood of extremely low flows in the Mississippi River in the metropolitan area. State Drought Response PlanThe Council is working with the DNR to re-evaluate the drought triggers and actions included in the state drought response plan.
Synoptic Groundwater Level Measurements	The Council is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the MN Pollution Control Agency (PCA), conservation and watershed districts, cities, and private citizens to simultaneously measure groundwater levels in three major aquifers across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In March 2008, and again in July 2008, hundreds of private and municipal wells will be measured. The results will be compared to past measurements, which will help water supply planners understand how our aquifers are responding to increased water withdrawals.
Safety, Security and Reliability	The Council is working with the MDH and other stakeholders to evaluate and support state/regional activities that improve the safety, security and reliability of local water systems.
Water Conservation	The Council developed the Conservation Toolbox to help water suppliers select programs appropriate for their communities. The Council will continue to work with stakeholders and the Advisory Committee to identify regional water conservation opportunities.
Water Supply Decision-Making	The Council is working with the DNR and MDH to further clarify and streamline the water supply planning and decision-making process.

Metropolitan Council