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Draft North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area Plan 3-6 Objective II. Groundwater use in the GWMA is reasonable, efficient, and complies with water conservation requirements. Water conservation is a key component of ensuring sustainability, and an important goal within the GWMA. Efficient use increases the water available for current and future uses and can help reduce stress on the water resource. Explicit conditions may be placed on appropriation permits that require conservation practices appropriate to a specific use. Conservation Requirements for Municipal Systems Minnesota Statute, sec. 103G.291 requires public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people to implement demand reduction measures by January 1, 2015.This includes all but one of the municipal systems in the GWMA. The measures must include a rate structure or outline a program that achieves demand reduction.They must also have a water supply plan that is approved by DNR. In the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, including the GWMA, all communities that have public water supplies must prepare water supply plans (Minn. Stat., sec.473.859). These plans must be consistent with the Metropolitan Council Master Water Supply Plan, providing an opportunity for cross-jurisdictional consistency and cooperation.The plans lay out future challenges and options for a community's water supply and the commitment of the community to its water use and conservation goals. Minnesota Statute,sec. 103G.291 also requires public water suppliers to adopt and enforce water-use restrictions when the governor declares a critical water deficiency.The restrictions must limit watering lawns, washing vehicles, irrigating golf courses and parks, and other nonessential uses. Other Water Uses Water conservation conditions may be placed on appropriation permits other than those for municipal water supply where reasonable use can be quantified,for example: • The amount of water reasonably needed for a particular agricultural situation (soil types, climate, and crop type) • Specific goals for water use for golf course operations in the GWMA • Water use goals for specific industries Non-permitted water users across the GWMA should also practice water conservation.The DNR supports conservation requirements for private and non-permitted use established through local jurisdictions such as watershed districts and municipal governments. Section 5 of the GWMA Plan provides a set of actions to meet Objective II. P55