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 inter-jurisdictional cooperation
  • Provides clear guidance by identifying key challenges, issues, and considerations in the region and available approaches (without 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.

Master Water Supply Plan Desired Outcomes

Increased collaboration

  • Work groups active in all hydrogeologic subregions and include participation by all sectors including public and private entities​
  • ​All public water suppliers have emergency supplies through  interconnectivity or multiple sources of water

Implementation of 

sustainable approaches​

  • Use of surface waters, reclaimed wastewater, and stormwater becomes an option explored by communities and implemented by many​ of them

Improved planning and plan implementation

  • The Met Council will provide technical assistance to help communities align their water supply plans and permitting with Met Council policy
  • Local comprehensive plans approved by 2020​

Aquifer levels are 

protected and enhanced​

  • Groundwater is adequately monitored across the region, and levels stabilize at sustainable levels​

Water conservation​

  • Per capita water use less than 90 gallons per day​
  • Ratio of summer to winter water use less than the 1990 to 1994 average​
  • Per capita residential use less than 75 gallons per day

Source waters are protected​

  • Potential contaminant sources are reduced and/or restricted in areas identified as sources of public drinking water supplies​

2015 Master Water Supply Plan