4.1. ERMUSR 01-11-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Because of Elk River's geographical location on the rim of the Mt. Simon-Hinckley Aquifer "bowl" centered under the Twin Cities metro area, water use and/or misuse are always a concern for ERMU and our customers. In 2008, ERMU had a study done to identify water supply alternatives for our City. Although this report does not directly address the issues of sprinkling and water use restrictions, but it does show how precious and sensitive our water resources are in Elk River. This report is attached as information. Revoking or amending ERMU's resolution invoking water use restrictions may seem like it would have an insignificant impact to the Utilities. However, this is the tip of the iceberg of an important topic. Whether it is because of drawdown or aquifer contamination, our alternatives sources of water for the City are limited and could be costly. In addition to water usage concerns during drought conditions, the invoking of water use restrictions serves other equally important functions. The "odd-even" and "time of day" sprinkling restrictions communicate our commitment to the conservation of our precious resources. This is consistent with City of Elk River's Energy City Board's position on conservation. The use restrictions help to mitigate the volatility in pumping flow rate. This is similar to the demand side management used to control air conditioner use during the summer. By controlling the peaks, the system can more cost effectively sized. This helps to proactively control system costs that would inevitably be borne by the customer. The methodology is not unique to Elk River. As noted at the December 2010 Utilities Commission meeting, approximately 65% of the 71 cities surveyed by the Suburban Utilities Superintendent Association (SUSA) employ similar water use restrictions. These water use restrictions are not too "progressive" but rather the norm. These types of proactive water conservation methods also become important when the need comes to increase our water use appropriations from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As you may recall, in September 2006, ERMU submitted to the DNR a Conservation and Emergency Management Plan for Elk River Municipal Utilities Water System. This was an important step in the DNR amending our water use permit increasing our water use appropriations. Attached for reference is the letter from the DNR approving the requested increase in water use appropriations. ACTION REQUESTED: Based on the above discussion, included materials, and staff expertise, the recommend is to make no change to the current resolution invoking water use restrictions.