MASTER WATER SUPPLY PLAN

The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Master Water Supply Plan provides a framework for sustainable long-term water supply planning at the local and regional level. The plan provides communities in the region with planning assistance for water supply in a way that:

  • Recognizes local control and responsibility for owning, maintaining and operating water supply systems
  • Is developed in cooperation and consultation with municipal water suppliers, regional stakeholders and state agencies
  • Protects critical habitat and water resources over the long term
  • Meets regional needs for a reliable, secure water supply
  • Highlights the benefits of integrated planning for stormwater, wastewater and water supply
  • Emphasizes and supports conservation and interjurisdictional cooperation, and
  • Provides clear guidance by identifying key challenges/issues/ considerations in the region and available approaches (without dictating (use prescribing) solutions).

The plan provides guidance so that communities can take the most proactive, cost effective approach to long term planning and permitting to ensure plentiful, safe, and affordable water that supports the prosperity and livability of the region for future generations.

 

2015 Master Water Supply Plan

Download PDF

Complete 2015 Master Water Supply Plan (134 pages, 152 MB PDF)

Appendix 1: Water Supply Profiles Appendix 2: Water Demand Projections (7 pages, 405KB PDF)
Appendix 3: 2040 Groundwater Model Projections (10 pages, 523KB PDF)
Appendix 4: Groundwater Optimization Modeling (19 pages, 993KB PDF)
Appendix 5: Community Highlights (5 pages, 177KB PDF)

Resources, Tools and Templates

Local Planning Handbook
DNR Local Water Supply Plan Template (520KB DOC)
DNR Water Supply Plan Instructions & Checklist (31KB PDF)
DNR Public Water Supply Plans Website
 

FAQS

Why Was the Master Water Supply Plan Being Updated?

The update was triggered by the update of the comprehensive development guide, Thrive MSP 2040, which was approved by the Metropolitan Council on May 28, 2014.

How Was Local Input Included in the Draft 2015 Plan Update?

A series of public meetings were held in 2014 and 2015, which were attended by over 260 people representing more than 70 communities.

Community Technical Work Group

A Community Technical Work Group was convened in early 2015 to review the technical information and draft plan. Meeting agendas and summaries are available.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held on August 11, 2015. The video of the hearing is available. Testimony will be recorded and addressed along with all comments submitted in writing and recorded on the Public Comment Line during the public comment period.

What Does the Update Include?

The update includes new data and information that has been collected since 2010, including:

  • New population projections- Metropolitan Council
  • Screening of groundwater and surface water relationships- Metropolitan Council
  • Mapping of the vulnerability of bedrock aquifers to flow through glacial sediments- MN Geological Survey
  • New aquifer testing data collected through community source water protection programs- MN Department of Health
  • New groundwater level monitoring data- MN Department of Natural Resources
  • Water supply alternative feasibility assessments- Metropolitan Council in partnership with communities
The update also reflects the updated regional development framework, Thrive MSP 2040, and the 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan

What Was the Timeline for Updating the Plan?

  • March 2014 – The Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee provided input on schedule and scope.
  • May 28, 2014 – Adoption of Thrive MSP 2040 triggered the update of Master Water Supply Plan.
  • May to June 2014 – City public utility and planning staff provided input about plan content and format at public meetings.
  • August 2014 – Elected officials provided feedback on challenges and opportunities with water supply approaches at public meetings.
  • Fall and Spring 2015 – City public utility and planning staff, including a Community Technical Work Group, provided input on technical analyses and tools and including how they will be integrated into the Master Water Supply Plan. The Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee reviewed and provided input on drafts of the updated Master Water Supply Plan.
  • Spring and Summer 2015 – Final draft of updated Master Water Supply Plan released for public review; public meetings held.
  • September 2015 – The Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee approved and Metropolitan Council adopted the updated Master Water Supply Plan.

Who Played a Role in Updating the Master Plan?

Municipalities/Public Water Suppliers

  • Provide guidance on Master Plan content and format
  • Provide feedback on regional water supply issues, including challenges and opportunities
  • Share local data about water resources and water supply planning
  • Review draft technical analyses and planning tools
  • Review draft Master Water Supply Plan

Metropolitan Council

  • Conduct technical analyses and develop planning tools
  • Receive input from communities, public water suppliers, and other interested stakeholders
  • Coordinate with DNR to better connect the local water supply plan and comprehensive planning process

MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Coordinate with the Council to better connect the local water supply plan and comprehensive planning process
Other partners (state agencies, counties, soil and water conservation districts, etc.)
  • Collaborate with communities and public water suppliers, Metropolitan Council, and DNR
  • Review draft Master Water Supply Plan

Where Can I Learn More About the Process?

Contact Lanya Ross (Lanya.Ross@metc.state.mn.us or 651.602.1803) with questions or to request a presentation.