EDA Packet 12.19.17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Water Resources Stormwater Stewardship When it rains, stormwater collects on the landscape and recycles back into the water supply. In urban environments this stormwater can have a damaging effect on buildings and roads if it stays on the ground for too long. As a result, storm sewers have played a vital role in the development of cities by directing storm water away from infrastructure and into surrounding waterbodies. This disruption to the hydrologic cycle creates a number of problems for our water supply and the health of the rivers, lakes and streams we rely on. As water issues become more pressing, urban environments have begun to recognize this untapped resource as a solution. The City of Hugo has been at the forefront stormwater reuse in the state of Minnesota by irrigating large portions of the City with stormwater instead of valuable drinking water. This enforces the City's resiliency in three ways: 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 1. Diversifying the Water Supply - By irrigating large portions within the City with stormwater, Hugo has reduced its costs and demands on the drinking water supply. Stormwater reuse also allows more opportunity for stormwater to seep into the ground and replenish the aquifer — which is important to Hugo because the community often relies on groundwater from wells. As water becomes an increasingly valuable and debated resource throughout the nation, the ability to use alternative water resources will play a crucial role in ensuring the City can supply enough safe drinkable water to the community. 2. Flood Control —As traditional urban environments develop, more roads, buildings and unpaved surfaces will route water into downstream water bodies. Rivers, lakes and streams have a finite capacity and will flood when overwhelmed. The City of Hugo's water reuse efforts capture and utilize millions of gallons of stormwater each year before it reaches downstream water bodies. This frees up capacity in our rivers, lakes and streams and reduces the risk of flooding. 3. Environmental Protection —Infiltration of stormwater into the ground serves two important functions: replenishing groundwater supply and filtering out pollutants. When stormwater does not filter through the ground, it is full of contaminants when it reaches larger water systems. As a result increased levels of phosphates, chlorides and other pollutants are compromising water quality throughout the world. By reusing stormwater instead of discarding it, Hugo's contribution to pollutants entering downstream water bodies is admirably minimal and creates safer and more resilient water resources. Stormwater reuse is one approach to finding innovative solutions to today's problems. Hugo has played a role in shaping the conversation around this practice and should continue to educate and reduce barriers to its implementation. As a resiliency tactic, stormwater reuse proves many benefits and is becoming an increased priority in the City. Hugo should develop policy and incentives for stormwater reuse in new development projects, and continue its efforts to retrofit existing systems. RESILIENCE 155