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USGS pushes for advanced lake study- Press Publications/Kanabec.co... http://www.presspubs.com/white_bear/news/article_b8369734-7dfd-... <br /> USGS pushes for advanced lake study <br /> by Mark Nicklawske/Regional Editor I Posted: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 9:27 pm <br /> WHITE BEAR LAKE —Federal authorities want to look for leaks in the bottom of White Bear <br /> Lake, study lake water in municipal wells and develop a regional pumping strategy during a <br /> three-year northeast metro groundwater study. <br /> The United States Geological Survey (USGS) will make a $500,000 grant application with the <br /> Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to continue its investigation into low <br /> lake levels and the region groundwater supply. The White Bear City Council voted unanimously <br /> March 27 to support the application. <br /> The project is a follow-up to a soon-to-be-complete USGS White Bear Lake Groundwater/Surface <br /> Water Interaction Study. In the two-year study, authorities determined man-made issues like <br /> increased municipal water pumping have contributed to the dramatic drop in White Bear Lake <br /> water levels. <br /> The USGS would lead the survey along with partners from the University of Minnesota and a <br /> variety of state departments. The cities of White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi and White Bear Township <br /> would be asked to provide assistance in water quality and data collection. <br /> "Water levels in many (northeast metro) lakes, including White Bear Lake, have reached <br /> historically low levels, due in part to low precipitation and increased water extraction from local <br /> aquifers," said USGS Hydrologist Perry Jones in the grant application."Low water levels in <br /> aquifers have increased the amount of lake water flow into underlying aquifers and wells. This <br /> increase can have adverse economic impacts on municipalities near lakes." <br /> Jones said lakeside communities face higher costs associated with water treatment, additional <br /> land-use restrictions to protect lakes and lost revenue from reduced lake recreation. <br /> If rain continues to be scarce, authorities need to change the way water is supplied for things like <br /> household use and lawn maintenance. Jones said the study would help northeast metro <br /> communities develop municipal water pumping schemes to reduce the impact on lake levels. <br /> "The results from this project will provide municipalities in the (northeast metro) area the decision <br /> making tools critical for meeting drinking water demands with growing populations while <br /> minimizing impact to lake water levels," said Jones. <br /> The study will be divided into three parts: <br /> • Determine lake water interactions with wells. Hydrologists will sample municipal wells looking <br /> for lake water. Northeast metro area municipal wells pump water from the Prairie du Chien <br /> aquifer, which typically does not contain fresh lake water. <br />