2016.08.25 CC Minutes - Water Summit

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Minutes for the NE Water Summit on August 25,2016 Page 3 of 6 Metropolitan Council Update David Brown talked about stormwater grants. They received 23 proposals equaling$2.9 million, all competing for$1 million in Met Council funding. Several of the projects were for non- potable water uses(irrigation). So far,the Met Council has approved$900,000 for six projects. It was unsure funding would be available in future years. Sam Paske spoke about the USGS study on northeast groundwater stating that the USGS was the key researcher, and analysis is being done the key stakeholders. Part one was to be released on September 30,2016,and part two is planned to be released by December 31'in its final version. Centerville Council Member Steve King questioned whether there was enough time and money to do all the study. He felt the study should be complete. Forest Lake City Administrator Aaron Parrish pointed out that it hasn't yet been determined that the aquifer was fundamentally the issue and whether there is a link to White Bear Lake or not. He wants them to have confidence there is a connection and not just speculation. City Administrator Bryan Bear asked how the study would be shared. Sam replied that the dates have not been set yet,but he will make sure the Water Summit group stays informed. MN Legislative Water Commission Barb Huberty stated that Mindy Erickson from USGA will be making a presentation to the Water Commission on October 18`x'or 191'. David Brown talked about the Technical Advisory Committee(TAC)and that Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee(MAWSAC)had solicited appointments to it. The TAC acts as a technical resource for MAWSAC. Their next meeting will be held at the Met Council on September 61h from 1-3 p.m. i Sam updated the group on water supply planning activities. The Washington County Water Coalition is looking at long term alternatives to reusing water,and there will be a report out for review at the end of October. The Met Council would like to see water resue and treatment of water in industrial plants. It was asked if studies were being on the use of river water,and Brown talked about the difference between the cost of using ground water and river water stating there was no push to increase costs,just focusing on being more efficient with the water we have. There was talk about the unfairness in cost for some to to convert to river water while others were still using well water.