02-05-2018 Council Work Session Packet

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below 923.5 feet; the prohibition shall continue until notified by the DNR that the lake levels have reached an elevation of 924 feet. The residential irrigation ban in your community must include enforcement tools and procedures if there is non- compliance with your local law. This must be implemented through your local law by the start of the irrigation season. 3) Per Capita Water Use Plan: By August 29, 2018 a plan to phase down per capita residential water use to 75 gallons per day and total per capita water use to 90 gallons per day must be submitted to the DNR. The plan was include enforcement tools and procedures to ensure implementation of the plan. 4) Report of Collaborative Efforts: Annual reporting to the DNR is required by February 15 of each year, about collaborative efforts with other northeast metro communities to develop plans to phase down per capita residential water use to 75 gallons per day and total per capita water use to 90 gallons per day. In addition, the City is indirectly effected by other aspects of the order, including a prohibition of the issuance of the new appropriation permits within a 5 mile radius of the lake. This has led to construction projects being held up because dewatering permits were not being issued. This is one item that seems likely to get addressed with the post- trial motions. Analysis While the City of Lino Lakes continues to be a strong advocate for implementing water conservation measures, staff has expressed concerns over the viability and benefit of the proposed conditions. Specific issues related to the four permit conditions are as follows: 1. Water Supply Contingency Plan: This is the only condition currently in effect. Lino Lakes is likely in a better position than most to address an alternative to groundwater use simply due to its proximity to the Chain of Lakes. St. Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) still has infrastructure in place from both Centerville and Otter Lakes, previously used to supply water to their system. While the system has not been used since the late 80’s, and water quality is not optimum it may serve as a potential alternative in the future. DNR has provided little guidance on the plan components other than what is in the order. Uncertainty includes the scope of use, the cost, and funding options. 2. Residential Irrigation Ban: While not yet in effect this condition may be the most pressing. The current lake level is 922.89 as of January 2018. Under the order an irrigation ban will be in effect if the lake level is under 923.5 and not rescinded until the lake elevation reaches 924.0. The City will be responsible for enforcing this ban. White Bear Lake has not reached this level since 2006. Besides the obvious impact to residents there are a number of issues with this order, first of which, is the limited impact on White Bear Lake. Initial results of the DNR groundwater model, completed in the fall of 2017, demonstrates that the irrigation ban will only increase water levels by about one inch (1”) per year. Additional concerns