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uestions & n swe r s : North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Plan Q: What is a groundwater management area? generations to supply their own needs. Groundwater use A: A groundwater management area is a DNR-designated is not sustainable if individual or cumulative use harms region within which there is evidence that current or future ecosystems, degrades water quality, reduces water use of groundwater may not be sustainable. Authorized levels beyond the reach of public water supply and private by the legislature in 2010 (MS 103G.287 Subd. 4),the domestic wells, or limits the ability of future generations to designation allows a more comprehensive and focused meet their needs. approach to ensuring that groundwater supplies remain adequate to meet human needs while protecting lakes, r How will this plan affect current or future appro- p streams and wetlands. riation permits? A: The draft plan makes no changes to specific permits. Q: Why is a groundwater management area being It calls for a review of all existing permits within the area established in the north and east metro region? over the next five years. These reviews will evaluate the A: If trends continue, it's possible that groundwater use effects of all appropriations relative to allowable impact in the north and east metro area might negatively impact thresholds for aquifers, lakes,wetlands and streams. If the area's aquifers and surface waters. The area is one of existing appropriations result in those thresholds being three in the state being proposed as groundwater manage- exceeded,permits may be modified. Future permit ment areas to better focus DNR and stakeholder efforts on applications will be evaluated using the same sustainability ensuring that groundwater use is sustainable. criteria. Q: Who developed this groundwater management Q: What role will conservation play in this plan? plan? A: Under the proposed plan, DNR will support,promote, A: The plan was developed by DNR natural resource and evaluate water conservation strategies in water professionals with input from an advisory team that met supply plans and appropriation permits. DNR also will monthly over about one year. The 21-member advisory help promote and publicize successful water conservation team included representatives from other agencies, local techniques. government and businesses that use groundwater. Q: What is the relationship between this plan and the Q: What's in the plan? Does it set limits on cities' recent White Bear Lake settlement? water use? A: The proposed North and East Metro Groundwater A: The draft plan does not set limits on any individual Management Area plan is a comprehensive approach to a city's water use. It describes actions DNR will take to broad array of issues within a large geographic area that improve the agency's management of groundwater permits contains numerous natural resources in addition to White in an area that includes all of Ramsey and Washington Bear Lake. Once approved,the plan will be implemented counties, southern Anoka County, and a small portion of by DNR to ensure sustainable use of groundwater Hennepin County east of the Mississippi River. The plan is throughout the area. intended to help groundwater users such as cities under- stand how DNR will evaluate current and future permits to Q� Will this plan require a switch from groundwater to surface water for my city's water supply? ensure they are using groundwater sustainably. A: The plan does not address whether cities should get Q: What does "sustainable use" of groundwater their municipal water from surface waters or groundwater. mean? It does commit DNR to more effective participation in A: As defined in statute, sustainable use of groundwater municipal water supply planning. protects ecosystems and water quality, and it allows future For more information contact: Paul Putzier DNR Hydrogeologist Ir Paul.Putzier@state.mn.us MNDNR 651-259-5692 February 3,2015 105