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Draft North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Plan 1 1 1. Introduction The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)works with citizens to manage the state's natural resources,to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for sustainable commercial uses of natural resources. The DNR works to integrate and sustain a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities.This strategy shares stewardship responsibility with citizens and partners to manage for multiple interests. The DNR is responsible for managing the state's water resources to sustain healthy waterways, basins and groundwater resources.The DNR plays an important role in supporting sustainable groundwater use through its permit programs, information collection and analysis activities, law enforcement responsibilities, education, and technical assistance opportunities. Groundwater is at risk of overuse and contamination in specific areas of the state.To address concerns of long term sustainable use of groundwater in these areas,the DNR is defining Groundwater Management Areas (GWMA) and developing management plans. The purpose of the GWMA Plan (Plan) is to guide DNR actions in managing the appropriation and use of groundwater within the GWMA over the next five years. The GWMA represents a geographic area within which groundwater users share a distinct aquifer system or groundwater resource. Users include both those with appropriation permits and those who do not require permits to use groundwater. Problem The DNR identified the north and east Twin Cities Metropolitan area as an area of specific concern where groundwater resources are at risk of overuse and reduced quality. Multiple permit holders (groundwater users) are connected through their use of groundwater and their effect on water resources. The DNR manages water resources to assure an adequate supply largely through permitting and tracking water appropriation and use. The Water Appropriation Permit Program balances competing management objectives that include development and protection of Minnesota's water resources. Key challenges for the DNR in managing groundwater appropriations and use in the North& East GWMA include the following: • Demand: projected growth in water demand, particularly in Washington County and parts of southern Anoka County • Natural Resources: potential for negative effects on groundwater-dependent natural resources such as wetlands, lakes, and streams • Conservation: a need for improved and expanded application of water conservation • Contamination: reduction in the availability of clean groundwater • Information: gaps in the information needed to determine the sustainability of groundwater use P25