MINNESOTA GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT AREAS

The citizens of Minnesota are increasingly aware that our once “unlimited” surface and groundwater resources are in fact both limited in quantity and quality. Citizens are now demanding the state develop a more comprehensive and sustainable management system for allocating water use in areas of limited or declining availability and quality. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) goal is to ensure an adequate supply of high quality water for all users while maintaining natural surface water features such as lakes, streams and wetlands.

Minnesota Statute 103G.265 requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to develop and manage water resources in the state to assure an adequate supply of ground water to meet long-range seasonal requirements for domestic, municipal, industrial, agricultural, fish & wildlife, recreational, power, navigation and quality control purposes for waters of the state. To implement the requirements of this statute the Commissioner has developed Minnesota Rule Chapter 6115.0810, which outlines Water Appropriation and Use Management Plans or more commonly Groundwater Management Areas (GWMA).

DNR is working with other state agencies to develop the process of ranking GWMA’s throughout Minnesota. GWMA’s rankings are based on a matrix composed of social and economic issues, water quality & water quantity parameters and environmental impacts to surface water features. A series of “Pilot” GWMA will be selected from the priority list based different hydrogeologic settings, water quality/quantity issues, citizens and local unit of government input.

Water quality and quantity information will be gathered through the development of a comprehensive groundwater & surface water monitoring network. Modeling of aquifer characteristics to assess interaction with surface water features or impacts to aquifer water levels will be developed based on continuous water level data collection. GWMA information will be used by local decision makers (Watershed Districts, Local Units of Government and citizens) to help manage land use practices and help ensure an adequate supply of high quality water for all users. Information gathered from the “pilot” GWMA will be used to develop staffing and cost needs for future GWMA’s. A summary of the process and a discussion of the pilot GWMA’s will be presented.