2015-02-25 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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"What cities are potentially affected?" The settlement agreement calls for shifting the communities of Mahtomedi,North St.Paul,Shoreview,Vadnais Heights,White Bear Lake,and White Bear Township from groundwater to surface water for home and business use. Longer term,it also contemplates a similar shift for seven additional communities in the area(Centerville,Circle Pines,Columbus,Forest Lake,Hugo, Lexington,and Lino Lakes),but resolving the lawsuit does not require shifting those communities. The agreement also calls on the DNR to work with all 13 communities,as well as industry and private well owners,on water conservation. "The DNR says it doesn't believe that shifting communities to surface water will improve water levels on White Bear Lake,so why do it?" The relationship between White Bear Lake and the groundwater underneath it is complex and is not yet thoroughly understood. The DNR believes that low precipitation in White Bear's relatively small watershed is the primary cause of low lake levels in recent years. However,an ongoing study by the US Geological Survey,due to be completed in the fall of 2016,should provide additional insight. Regardless of the factors driving White Bear Lake levels,we are concerned that over-reliance on groundwater could threaten the region's aquifers,the surface waters that are connected to them,and the communities'economic vitality sometime in the future. By starting to work now on conservation and a more sustainable mix of water sources,we have the time to work with communities and the legislature to advance our collective goal of a reliable,long-term source of water for this vital part of the state. "How can the DNR and the plaintiffs force us to change our water system?" Simply put,we can't. We will need substantial concurrence from the communities,and that is why the settlement includes a three-year stay in the lawsuit. Since not all of the affected communities were parties to the lawsuit and settlement,the DNR was very careful to ensure that the agreement did not presume action by anyone who didn't sign it. We know that we are not the water system experts,and that every community has many factors that must be considered and addressed before embarking on a major change in how water is provided to its citizens and businesses.You can be assured that your leaders are being thoughtful and thorough in their approach to this issue. 1 like my water. Will it taste fishy'if we switch?" The settlement agreement specifically states that the communities should be able to mix surface and groundwater in the treatment process in order to address any taste issues,as well as to manage other water quality-related concerns. The St.Paul Regional Water Services does this same thing in its system,and it has proven to be very effective in addressing seasonal taste issues that are sometimes encountered with surface water supplies. "This sounds very expensive. Who is going to pay?" Yes,initial estimates to shift the six communities from surface water range between$160 million and$230 million. Clearly,these communities would need financial assistance,and state funds will be a top priority. While the DNR and the other parties can't force anyone to implement the terms of the settlement,some key concepts were included in the settlement agreement. Most importantly,the construction and operating costs of any new system need to be distributed equitably and should not put the communities making the switch at a competitive disadvantage with their neighbors. IYs also important to remember that these are initial estimates. It's possible that a more cost-effective option exists. In evaluating cost,it's also important to remember 2 25