5.14.
| CC Regular Session |
| Meeting Date: | 05/26/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: | Address infrastructure needs. |
Title:
Adopt Resolution #26-134 Authorizing Solicitation of Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for Wells #9 and #10
Purpose/Background:
Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider adopting Resolution #26-134 authorizing solicitation of Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for proposed municipal groundwater wells #9 and #10.
Background:
The City of Ramsey’s existing municipal wellfields are comprised of 8 wells. Wells 1 and 2 are located in the southeastern portion of city limits, while Wells 3 through 8 are located in the south-central portion of the City. All 8 wells draw water from the Tunnel City-Wonewoc aquifer and range in depth between 316 and 390 feet.
Attached is a copy of the 2021 Feasibility Study containing detailed information on the city’s existing water supply system and groundwater aquifers. Pages 24 and 25 of the study include verbiage confirming the city’s source water aquifer is anticipated to continue to produce potable water to meet present and foreseeable future demands, and that the city should plan additional well sites to ensure static water levels will remain sufficiently above top of aquifers to meet MnDNR thresholds. Figure 15 in Appendix D identifies three potential municipal well sites, called out as Potential Well Siting Areas A, B and C. These areas will be specifically explored in detail during preparation of the Well Siting Study. Other potential well site locations will also be explored, including locations closer to the water treatment plant, since such locations may be more economical due to the need for less trunk watermain to be constructed to convey raw well water to the plant for treatment. The study will also address any cost-saving options for treating raw water from the new wells on site by providing an on-site pressure filter system, similar to what is proposed for well #1 in 2028 per attached CIP sheet 297.
In alignment with the Feasibility Study findings and recommendations, staff proposes to solicit Requests for Proposals from engineering consultants with significant experience in siting wells for municipal water supply systems to assist the city in determining the most desirable site(s) for two new municipal wells and the supporting wellhouses currently programmed for construction in 2027 and 2030.
The purpose of this case is to consider adopting Resolution #26-134 authorizing solicitation of Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for proposed municipal groundwater wells #9 and #10.
Background:
The City of Ramsey’s existing municipal wellfields are comprised of 8 wells. Wells 1 and 2 are located in the southeastern portion of city limits, while Wells 3 through 8 are located in the south-central portion of the City. All 8 wells draw water from the Tunnel City-Wonewoc aquifer and range in depth between 316 and 390 feet.
Attached is a copy of the 2021 Feasibility Study containing detailed information on the city’s existing water supply system and groundwater aquifers. Pages 24 and 25 of the study include verbiage confirming the city’s source water aquifer is anticipated to continue to produce potable water to meet present and foreseeable future demands, and that the city should plan additional well sites to ensure static water levels will remain sufficiently above top of aquifers to meet MnDNR thresholds. Figure 15 in Appendix D identifies three potential municipal well sites, called out as Potential Well Siting Areas A, B and C. These areas will be specifically explored in detail during preparation of the Well Siting Study. Other potential well site locations will also be explored, including locations closer to the water treatment plant, since such locations may be more economical due to the need for less trunk watermain to be constructed to convey raw well water to the plant for treatment. The study will also address any cost-saving options for treating raw water from the new wells on site by providing an on-site pressure filter system, similar to what is proposed for well #1 in 2028 per attached CIP sheet 297.
In alignment with the Feasibility Study findings and recommendations, staff proposes to solicit Requests for Proposals from engineering consultants with significant experience in siting wells for municipal water supply systems to assist the city in determining the most desirable site(s) for two new municipal wells and the supporting wellhouses currently programmed for construction in 2027 and 2030.
Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives:
Observations:
Detailed information on the geology of soils underlying the City of Ramsey can be found in the Anoka County Geologic Atlas, which can be viewed through links on the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy website at https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/1d10e060-80aa-4db0-af8f-5514b14c0192. Other websites include significant detail on this subject, such as the Know the Flow website at https://knowtheflow.us/2016/12/geologic-atlas-reveals-whats-under-the-surface/.
Attached is a copy of Anoka County Atlas Plates 3 and 4 that show the Surficial Geology and Quaternary Stratigraphy across Anoka County, which can be used by the selected engineering consultant to select the best location for the city’s next two municipal wells.
The engineering consultant will also utilize the Metropolitan Council’s groundwater model to ensure the new wells will have sufficient groundwater volumes for the city’s needs now and in the foreseeable future.
Other attached reference materials include;
Detailed information on the geology of soils underlying the City of Ramsey can be found in the Anoka County Geologic Atlas, which can be viewed through links on the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy website at https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/1d10e060-80aa-4db0-af8f-5514b14c0192. Other websites include significant detail on this subject, such as the Know the Flow website at https://knowtheflow.us/2016/12/geologic-atlas-reveals-whats-under-the-surface/.
Attached is a copy of Anoka County Atlas Plates 3 and 4 that show the Surficial Geology and Quaternary Stratigraphy across Anoka County, which can be used by the selected engineering consultant to select the best location for the city’s next two municipal wells.
The engineering consultant will also utilize the Metropolitan Council’s groundwater model to ensure the new wells will have sufficient groundwater volumes for the city’s needs now and in the foreseeable future.
Other attached reference materials include;
- 44-page 2020 Metropolitan Council Report “Water Supply Planning in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (2005-2020)”
- 4-page summary of the 2020 Metropolitan Council Report “Water Supply Planning in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (2005-2020)”
- May 26th – City Council authorizes solicitation of Well Siting Study Requests for Proposals.
- May 27th – Staff solicits Well Siting Study Requests for Proposals from applicable engineering consultants.
- July 21st – Public Works Committee recommends City Council acceptance of Well Siting Study Proposals and award of contract to the lowest responsible proposer.
- July 28th – City Council accepts Well Siting Study Proposals and awards contract to the lowest responsible proposer.
- July 29th - December 18th – Well Siting Study completed
Funding Source:
Copies of the associated 2026 – 2035 Capital Improvement Plan sheets, sheets 295 and 296, are attached for reference. As noted, the CIP level cost estimate for the study is $50,000.
All required engineering services will be funded through the water enterprise fund.
All required engineering services will be funded through the water enterprise fund.
Recommendation:
On May 19, 2026, the Public Works Committee unanimously recommended City Council approval to solicit Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for proposed municipal groundwater wells #9 and #10.
Staff recommends approval to solicit Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for wells #9 and #10 to ensure an adequate supply of water will be maintained for municipal water supply system users, both now and into the foreseeable future.
Staff recommends approval to solicit Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for wells #9 and #10 to ensure an adequate supply of water will be maintained for municipal water supply system users, both now and into the foreseeable future.
Outcome/Action:
Motion to adopt Resolution #26-134 authorizing solicitation of Requests for Proposals for a Well Siting Study for proposed municipal groundwater wells #9 and #10.
Attachments
- Resolution 26-134
- WTP Feasibility Study
- Anoka Co Geo Atlas Plate 3
- Anoka Co Geo Atlas Plate 4
- 2020 MC Water Supply Report
- 2020 MC WS Report Summary
- CIP Sheets 295-296
- CIP Sheet 297
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 05/21/2026 12:11 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Bruce Westby
- Started On:
- 05/19/2026 08:35 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/21/2026