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8.0 Water Supply System Plan At present, there is no city-wide public water distribution system within Gem Lake. Tousley Ford, in the Hoffman's Corners West area of the City, and the Montessori School in the south west corner of the City currently receive their water supply from Vadnais Heights. All other properties in Gem Lake, residential and non-residential, obtain their water supply via private wells. The City has a number of options with regard to its water supply. The first would be to continue to rely on private wells. A second option would be to purchase water from the Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Township water distribution systems for all properties within Gem Lake. A third option would be to purchase water for only the commercial properties. Connecting to an existing municipal system would address a number of potential problems. Water quality would be enhanced by connecting to a public system that includes water treatment facilities. With private wells, there is the potential of contamination and of the well going dry. There are some steps that the City should undertake if it continues to primarily rely on private wells for its water supply. For instance, a program should be set up to require periodic testing of water from every well in the City to determine water quality. This program could include steps to take in the event water quality fails to meet minimum standards. In addition, an educational program should be set up to promote water conservation measures within the City of Gem Lake. Although each residence and business has its own private well, it would be beneficial to the community to have some type of water conservation program in order to maximize groundwater supply. It would be difficult for the City to impose water conservation regulations on properties with private wells. However, an educational program could recommend voluntary water conservation measures to property owners. Space in the city newsletter could be devoted to describing and/or recommending water saving techniques, devices and appliances (i.e., how to cut down on water use, the best and worst times to use water outdoors, etc.). The educational program could emphasize the value and importance of conserving water, regardless of whether or not the City has municipal water. An emergency preparedness/contingency plan should also be considered by the City. Again, although the City of Gem Lake does not have a public water supply, it may be in the City's best interest to be prepared in case of an emergency. One option would be to adopt the emergency plan and consider policies of the water supplier. The City should make arrangements with the adjacent neighboring communities to obtain water from them for its citizens in case the groundwater supply ever becomes contaminated. The City should also have a list of contacts available in case of an emergency. It would also be helpful to make available to residents, steps that should be taken in case of contamination to an individual's water supply. Water Supply Policies The following policies have been established by the municipal government of Gem Lake with regard to the water supply for the citizens and businesses of the community: SE H 8.0 water supply system plan I page 50