Water Policy Plan
2050 update – planning for our region's waters
The Water Policy Plan aims to guide the region towards a present and future where water is clean and plentiful, the benefits of water and water services are maximized and equitable, and risks and negative outcomes are eliminated or minimized. By ensuring water is sustainable, adaptable, and resilient from both an ecosystem and public health lens, the region positions itself to meet the evolving needs of current and future generations. The plan contains the regional water context, water policies, the Wastewater System Plan, and the Metro Area Water Supply Plan.
The 2050 Water Policy Plan, Regional Development Guide, and other system plans will use a shared structure and planning framework that has regional values, vision, and goals and system-specific objectives.
This policy plan is legislatively mandated to be updated every 10 years, beginning with the U.S. Census, where we learn how our population has changed over the last decade.
Imagine 2050 – the next regional development guide
Imagine 2050 is the seven-county metro region’s long-range plan. It will include a vision and goals, and will set the policy foundation for land use, housing, transportation, water resources, and regional parks. It will also address critical issues that cross policy areas: climate, equity, natural systems, and public health, safety, and well-being. The guide will shape how this region grows in the next 30 years.
Water Policy Plan, Wastewater System Plan, and Metro Area Water Supply Plan principles, objectives, and policies
The principles ensure that we think broadly about water challenges and opportunities without making the effort unnecessarily complex. Additionally, we must measure the success of this plan through metrics to hold ourselves accountable and we are open to adapting our approach if we do not achieve our desired outcome.
The Water Policy Plan has four objectives focused on climate, investments, health, and equity. They are vital areas to guide the region toward achieving our goal of sustainable waters by protecting, restoring, and enhancing regional waters and water services for public and ecosystem health. The Met Council strives to integrate regional water planning efforts and 
operation of the regional wastewater system to help the region have waters that are clean, safe for use, and plentiful.
The plans’ policies recognize that water issues are connected across water sectors and require partnership. Regional water polices are intentionally crafted to apply across multiple water areas wherever feasible based on the Met Council’s roles and responsibilities and the roles of our many partners in the region.
Advisory committees
The 2050 Water Policy Plan Update Advisory Group advises and guides Met Council staff through the development of the new plan. The advisory group guides the process to develop the 2050 Water Policy Plan outreach activities as well as on the proposed content for the new plan.
To assist the Met Council in its water supply planning activities, the legislature established the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee and a Water Supply Technical Advisory Committee These committees played a lead role in developing the Metropolitan Area Master Water Supply Plan and continues to guide its implementation.
Water Policy Plan research
In this planning cycle for the Water Policy Plan, we started our work with research to make sure the 2050 water policies are responsive to current and future challenges. The goals are to:
- Develop and share our current understanding of issues.
- Identify current policy connections or gaps.
- Propose draft policies and strategy recommendations to ensure sustainable water resources.
Read more about the Water Policy Plan research
Stakeholder engagement
Met Council staff have been engaging with water professionals; water-focused nonprofit organizations; federal, state, and local government staff; and residents to hear about regional water values and concerns. The Met Council proposes policies to address water issues, gathers input, and adopts policies that advance efforts to secure clean water for future generations.