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The lawsuit was settled through mediation between the DNR and the plaintiffs and halted litigation for <br />up to three years. The DNR and the two local communities who intervened, provided legislative support <br />for a two phased option identified in the Met Council's June 2014 Draft Water Feasibility Report to move <br />thirteen communities from groundwater and to surface water from the Mississippi River for their public <br />water supply. The first phase of the project (Phase 1) would move six communities, including Mahtomedi <br />and a portion of White Bear Lake, for Washington County, to a surface water supply system. <br />An update from the plaintiffs, defendant, and interveners was provided to Judge Margaret Marrinan on <br />September 8, 2016. A legislative proposal to fully fund the feasibility and design of Phase I was not <br />approved by the August 1, 2016 settlement deadline. This lifted the three year stay in the lawsuit and a <br />March 6, 2017 trial date has been scheduled. <br />Support and Opposition: <br />Four of the six "Phase I" communities, and several of the "Phase 11" communities are opposed to shifting <br />their communities from groundwater to surface water. <br />Previous Consideration: <br />The County Board first supported this platform in 2015. <br />No Action: <br />Need to be determined. <br />Financial Implications: <br />Need to be determined. <br />Contact Person: <br />Lowell Johnson, Director <br />Washington County Public Health and Environment <br />651-430-6725 <br />Lowell.Johnson@co.washington.mn.us <br />27 <br />