7.10.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 12/13/2016
- Submitted For:
- Len Linton
- By:
- Len Linton, Engineering/Public Works
Information
Title:
Consider Preliminary Approval of the City of Ramsey's draft Water Supply Plan
Purpose/Background:
The purpose of this case is to obtain preliminary City Council approval of the City of Ramsey’s draft Water Supply Plan.
Observations/Alternatives:
Background:
All public water suppliers in Minnesota that operate a public water distribution/supply system, serve more than 1,000 people and/or all cities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, must have a Water Supply Plan (WSP) approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR). The WSP must be updated and submitted to the MNDNR for approval every ten years. This requirement, in place since the 1990’s per attached Minnesota Statute 103G.291, is designed to encourage communities to deal proactively with providing sustainable drinking water for citizens, businesses, and industry.
Each community must preliminarily approve their draft WSP subject to MNDNR review and, for communities in the seven-county metropolitan area, Metropolitan Council review. Each community must submit their draft WSP to adjacent communities and the county for review and comment. If the MNDNR or the Metropolitan Council recommends changes to the draft WSP, the recommended changes must be incorporated into the WSP or a response must be provided stating why the changes were not incorporated prior to final plan adoption. Each community must officially adopt their WSP after it is approved by the DNR (and the Metropolitan Council if a metro community).
Attached is the current working draft of the City of Ramsey’s draft WSP, which was prepared using a template document provided by the MNDNR. This is the third WSP prepared by the City of Ramsey. The first WSP was prepared in 1994, with the second WSP prepared in 2007. The template contemplates a wide range of possible scenarios for public water supply systems; however, not all of them apply to the City of Ramsey so every box is not filled. This template places an emphasis on consideration of alternative sources. The previous water supply plans were prepared by consultants based on their knowledge base.
In summary, the plan addresses such things as local water supply resources; conservation efforts; treatment, storage, and distribution infrastructure; primary users; use projections; public education and outreach; and emergency preparedness. All Water Supply Plans must include the following parts:
The attached WSP Instructions & Checklist contains detailed information on the plan preparation and submittal requirements.
Additional information can be found on the MNDNR’s Water Supply Plans web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/appropriations/eandc_plan.html
The plan will require adoption of a new ordinance, which will be brought forward at a later time. The draft ordinance is in Appendix 7 and is titled "Deficiency of Water". It defines waste of water and reaffirms the authority of the City to impose reasonable restrictions on the use of water.
The Public Works Committee comments are contained in the minutes approved earlier this evening.
The questions from the EPB and staff responses are shown below.
Q: How is pressure on the aquifer used by the City of Ramsey for water supply changing over time?
A: The overall number of connections to the City’s water supply system continue to increase as the population increases, but average water use per person continues to decrease over time due to more efficient fixtures, greater water conservation efforts, and tiered water charges that discourage excessive water use. The City is cooperatively working on a Northwest Metro Groundwater Supply Study to better understand impacts to area aquifers. The City is also planning to complete a groundwater well siting study in 2017 to determine the appropriate location of the City’s next proposed groundwater well, currently scheduled to be constructed in 2023.
Q: What causes spikes in water usage?
A: During years of drought, irrigation system use increases…lawn irrigation is a major driver of water use.
Q: What percentage of Ramsey is served by sewer and water compared to their own well and septic systems.
A: The ratio is about 50/50.
Q: Is the City planning to extend the MUSA line further north?
A: This will be discussed in more detail as part of the Comprehensive Plan update process.
Q: What rate of demand would justify a surface water treatment plant?
A: A surface water treatment plant costs many times more than constructing groundwater wells so a regional partnership would be required to make it financially feasible.
Q: Do other cities along the Mississippi River use surface water treatment plants?
A: Saint Cloud uses a surface water treatment plant using the Mississippi River as its source of water.
Q: Does the City have a leak detection system in place to conserve water?
A: The City does not have a proactive leak detection program in place at this time. However, the public water supply system includes numerous meters that can be used to detect leaks. The City also reviews existing water infrastructure under streets before completing improvements to the streets.
Q: Is the WSP the right place to strengthen language regarding irrigation use?
A: City codes and ordinances would be the proper vehicles for such regulatory controls.
Other comments:
A grammatical error occurs on page 26, table 13.
The EPB members present (two were absent) unanimously recommend preliminary City Council approval of the City’s draft Water Supply Plan as discussed.
The Planning Commission reviewed the draft Water Supply plan at their December 1, 2016 meeting. They had the following questions:
Q: What is the City doing about depletion of the aquifer?
A: The City monitors the water level in monitoring wells placed around the municipal wells and provides this information to the MN DNR on a regular basis. The DNR must approve construction of all new wells and will not approve a new well if it would deplete the resource.
Q:Can the City require homeowners with private wells to adhere to the sprinkling ban.
A: Public Water Supplies are regulated by the DNR and Health Department and must implement water conservation measures. Private wells are regulated by the Health Department and do not have conservation standards at this time.
Q: Has the City investigated using the Mississippi River as a drinking water source?
A:The City conducted a pilot study in the mid 2000's and determined that it was technically feasible to draw water from the Mississippi River and treat it. It was determined that the treatment plant would be very expensive. The City Council removed the Surface Water Treatment Plant from the 2016 - 2020 CIP and replaced it with construction of a new well and pumphouse to meet demand when needed.
Q: The commissioners thought that residential sewer charges are based on water usage, and since more water is used in summer for irrigation and does not go down the sewer, the excess sewer fees collected should be set aside for the future water treatment plant. They made this part of their motion when recommending the City Council approve the preliminary Water Supply Plan.
A: Staff researched residential sewer fees after the meeting. Residential accounts are charged a flat rate for sewer which does not change seasonally. Commercial accounts are sewer fees are based on the water used, these accounts can request installation of an irrigation meter which is not used in calculating sewer usage. This can lower their bill for sewer. Water and sewer fees are credited to separate accounts and it is not possible to use sewer fees to pay for water improvements.
Q: Has the spike in Maximum Daily Demand shown on page 17 of the report been investigated?
A: Staff had not investigated the spike before the meeting. One of the commissioners did a quick search on weather and commented that 2012 was the worst drought since 1872. Staff has not been able to confirm that statement.Staff did find data for 2012 showing that August and September of 2012 were extremely dry, with less than 1 inch of rain in each month when the normal is approximately 4 inches for each month. These are prime months for lawn irrigation use so it would be expected there was more watering going on. Overall, 2012 had average precipitation for the year with double precipitation in May and below normal totals in eight (8) of the months.
Q: Has the City considered the potential for reuse of water for commercial irrigation or considered changing the landscaping standards for commercial buildings? Has the City looked at how arid regions (Arizona, California) regulate landscaping.
A: Staff stated that the EPB has started discussions about revising the codes to allow alternative commercial landscaping practices.
The Planning Commission members present (there is one vacancy) unanimously recommend preliminary City Council approval of the City’s draft Water Supply Plan as discussed.
All public water suppliers in Minnesota that operate a public water distribution/supply system, serve more than 1,000 people and/or all cities in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, must have a Water Supply Plan (WSP) approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR). The WSP must be updated and submitted to the MNDNR for approval every ten years. This requirement, in place since the 1990’s per attached Minnesota Statute 103G.291, is designed to encourage communities to deal proactively with providing sustainable drinking water for citizens, businesses, and industry.
Each community must preliminarily approve their draft WSP subject to MNDNR review and, for communities in the seven-county metropolitan area, Metropolitan Council review. Each community must submit their draft WSP to adjacent communities and the county for review and comment. If the MNDNR or the Metropolitan Council recommends changes to the draft WSP, the recommended changes must be incorporated into the WSP or a response must be provided stating why the changes were not incorporated prior to final plan adoption. Each community must officially adopt their WSP after it is approved by the DNR (and the Metropolitan Council if a metro community).
Attached is the current working draft of the City of Ramsey’s draft WSP, which was prepared using a template document provided by the MNDNR. This is the third WSP prepared by the City of Ramsey. The first WSP was prepared in 1994, with the second WSP prepared in 2007. The template contemplates a wide range of possible scenarios for public water supply systems; however, not all of them apply to the City of Ramsey so every box is not filled. This template places an emphasis on consideration of alternative sources. The previous water supply plans were prepared by consultants based on their knowledge base.
In summary, the plan addresses such things as local water supply resources; conservation efforts; treatment, storage, and distribution infrastructure; primary users; use projections; public education and outreach; and emergency preparedness. All Water Supply Plans must include the following parts:
- Water Supply System Description and Evaluation
- Emergency Planning and Response Procedures
- Water Conservation Plan
- Items Metropolitan Area Water Suppliers
- Public Works Committee – November 15
- Environmental Policy Board – November 21
- Planning Commission – December 1
The attached WSP Instructions & Checklist contains detailed information on the plan preparation and submittal requirements.
Additional information can be found on the MNDNR’s Water Supply Plans web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/appropriations/eandc_plan.html
The plan will require adoption of a new ordinance, which will be brought forward at a later time. The draft ordinance is in Appendix 7 and is titled "Deficiency of Water". It defines waste of water and reaffirms the authority of the City to impose reasonable restrictions on the use of water.
The Public Works Committee comments are contained in the minutes approved earlier this evening.
The questions from the EPB and staff responses are shown below.
Q: How is pressure on the aquifer used by the City of Ramsey for water supply changing over time?
A: The overall number of connections to the City’s water supply system continue to increase as the population increases, but average water use per person continues to decrease over time due to more efficient fixtures, greater water conservation efforts, and tiered water charges that discourage excessive water use. The City is cooperatively working on a Northwest Metro Groundwater Supply Study to better understand impacts to area aquifers. The City is also planning to complete a groundwater well siting study in 2017 to determine the appropriate location of the City’s next proposed groundwater well, currently scheduled to be constructed in 2023.
Q: What causes spikes in water usage?
A: During years of drought, irrigation system use increases…lawn irrigation is a major driver of water use.
Q: What percentage of Ramsey is served by sewer and water compared to their own well and septic systems.
A: The ratio is about 50/50.
Q: Is the City planning to extend the MUSA line further north?
A: This will be discussed in more detail as part of the Comprehensive Plan update process.
Q: What rate of demand would justify a surface water treatment plant?
A: A surface water treatment plant costs many times more than constructing groundwater wells so a regional partnership would be required to make it financially feasible.
Q: Do other cities along the Mississippi River use surface water treatment plants?
A: Saint Cloud uses a surface water treatment plant using the Mississippi River as its source of water.
Q: Does the City have a leak detection system in place to conserve water?
A: The City does not have a proactive leak detection program in place at this time. However, the public water supply system includes numerous meters that can be used to detect leaks. The City also reviews existing water infrastructure under streets before completing improvements to the streets.
Q: Is the WSP the right place to strengthen language regarding irrigation use?
A: City codes and ordinances would be the proper vehicles for such regulatory controls.
Other comments:
A grammatical error occurs on page 26, table 13.
The EPB members present (two were absent) unanimously recommend preliminary City Council approval of the City’s draft Water Supply Plan as discussed.
The Planning Commission reviewed the draft Water Supply plan at their December 1, 2016 meeting. They had the following questions:
Q: What is the City doing about depletion of the aquifer?
A: The City monitors the water level in monitoring wells placed around the municipal wells and provides this information to the MN DNR on a regular basis. The DNR must approve construction of all new wells and will not approve a new well if it would deplete the resource.
Q:Can the City require homeowners with private wells to adhere to the sprinkling ban.
A: Public Water Supplies are regulated by the DNR and Health Department and must implement water conservation measures. Private wells are regulated by the Health Department and do not have conservation standards at this time.
Q: Has the City investigated using the Mississippi River as a drinking water source?
A:The City conducted a pilot study in the mid 2000's and determined that it was technically feasible to draw water from the Mississippi River and treat it. It was determined that the treatment plant would be very expensive. The City Council removed the Surface Water Treatment Plant from the 2016 - 2020 CIP and replaced it with construction of a new well and pumphouse to meet demand when needed.
Q: The commissioners thought that residential sewer charges are based on water usage, and since more water is used in summer for irrigation and does not go down the sewer, the excess sewer fees collected should be set aside for the future water treatment plant. They made this part of their motion when recommending the City Council approve the preliminary Water Supply Plan.
A: Staff researched residential sewer fees after the meeting. Residential accounts are charged a flat rate for sewer which does not change seasonally. Commercial accounts are sewer fees are based on the water used, these accounts can request installation of an irrigation meter which is not used in calculating sewer usage. This can lower their bill for sewer. Water and sewer fees are credited to separate accounts and it is not possible to use sewer fees to pay for water improvements.
Q: Has the spike in Maximum Daily Demand shown on page 17 of the report been investigated?
A: Staff had not investigated the spike before the meeting. One of the commissioners did a quick search on weather and commented that 2012 was the worst drought since 1872. Staff has not been able to confirm that statement.Staff did find data for 2012 showing that August and September of 2012 were extremely dry, with less than 1 inch of rain in each month when the normal is approximately 4 inches for each month. These are prime months for lawn irrigation use so it would be expected there was more watering going on. Overall, 2012 had average precipitation for the year with double precipitation in May and below normal totals in eight (8) of the months.
Q: Has the City considered the potential for reuse of water for commercial irrigation or considered changing the landscaping standards for commercial buildings? Has the City looked at how arid regions (Arizona, California) regulate landscaping.
A: Staff stated that the EPB has started discussions about revising the codes to allow alternative commercial landscaping practices.
The Planning Commission members present (there is one vacancy) unanimously recommend preliminary City Council approval of the City’s draft Water Supply Plan as discussed.
Funding Source:
Preparation of the plan was done by staff as part of their regular duties.
Recommendation:
Alternative #1 – Motion recommending preliminary City Council approval of the City of Ramsey’s draft Water Supply Plan as presented.
Alternative #2 – Motion recommending preliminary City Council approval of the City of Ramsey’s draft Water Supply Plan with the following modifications; ________________.
Alternative #2 – Motion recommending preliminary City Council approval of the City of Ramsey’s draft Water Supply Plan with the following modifications; ________________.
Action:
Motion for preliminary approval of the City of Ramsey's draft Water Supply Plan with or without modifications.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Anderson | Chris Anderson | 12/08/2016 12:23 PM |
| Brian Hagen | Tim Gladhill | 12/08/2016 01:40 PM |
| Bruce Westby | Bruce Westby | 12/08/2016 04:09 PM |
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 12/08/2016 04:14 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Len Linton
- Started On:
- 12/06/2016 02:36 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 12/08/2016