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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> APPROVED <br /> 41 Mr. Johnson explained that every community has a peaking factor equal to the most water <br /> 42 it will use during a year divided by average day consumptions. In Minnesota there is a <br /> 43 wide range in those factors, meaning there can a lot more water used in the summer than <br /> 44 winter. <br /> 45 Mayor Rafferty asked about long range plans for providing water to the current and future <br /> 46 population. Community Development Director Grochala said full build out is estimated <br /> 47 to require 12 to 13 wells. <br /> 48 Council Member Lyden asked about other cities that are facing this situation. Also how <br /> 49 can the City be assured that a future well wouldn't have the same issue? Mr. Johnson <br /> 50 noted that typically a test well is drilled in order to pretest water before a final well is <br /> 51 done. Other cities have acted in different manner; he's seen some be proactive <br /> 52 (Brooklyn Center recently built a water plant). Council Member Lyden asked if there is <br /> 53 any way to improve the"bad"wells and Mr. Johnson spoke to the source of water and <br /> 54 explained that in the northern metro there are certain limits to what water is accessible in <br /> 55 terms of aquafers. <br /> 56 Council Member Stoesz suggested that science has a way of reinterpreting guidelines <br /> 57 such as these. Are the Health Department's recommendations subjective? Mr. Johnson <br /> 58 suggested that the recommendations may be different state by state but they are generally <br /> 59 based on scientific research done by the EPA. Director DeGardner added that <br /> 60 manganese is an unregulated contaminant now and cities aren't required to test for it. <br /> 61 Mr. DeGardner added that there are a lot of factors to consider leading to discussion <br /> 62 about the long term approach; a large part of staffs current approach is to make residents <br /> 63 aware. <br /> 64 Mayor Rafferty stated that it is appropriate that the City is looking closely at the situation <br /> 65 and discussing how to address the situation. <br /> 66 Council Member Ruhland asked if there is a technique to utilize all wells but turn down <br /> 67 the amount for a balancing effect. Mr. Johnson said the City does have the ability to <br /> 68 adjust the flow. <br /> 69 Council Member Ruhland asked about the new well planned for Birch Street; how did <br /> 70 that test? Mr. Johnson said the test for that well came out with lower numbers but he did <br /> 71 suggest that amounts can change in the same vicinity. <br /> 72 The council and staff discussed the City's peak period use and how water use can be <br /> 73 restricted. Justin Williams, Utilities Supervisor, explained how the City is currently <br /> 74 blending water by monitoring the water tower levels. <br /> 75 Director DeGardner remarked that the City is doing what it can and is informing the <br /> 76 residents. He added that the City's water hasn't changed but again this is a newly <br /> 77 identified element that is measured. <br /> 2 <br />