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4.6.2 Technical Feasibility and Reliability <br />Ranney wells are a proven technology, employed by many communities, including St. Louis, Kansas <br />City, and Des Moines. Ranney wells typically replace intake structures that are subject to washing <br />out. Reliability issues associated <br />4.6.3 Cost <br />The Ranney well alone would likely cost $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. A treatment plant similar to the <br />surface-water alternative would also be necessary. <br />4.6.4 Challenges and Other Considera#ions <br />This alternative has a high probability of success. The advantage that this alternative has over the <br />surface-water alternative is in the reliability of the intake (i.e. not subject to wash-out) and the less <br />susceptibility of the water source to low-water conditions and contamination from spills or other <br />accidental releases. <br />4.7 Interconnect with Minneapolis Water Works <br />4.7.1 Description <br />The Minneapolis Water Works has an excess capacity for treated water and is likely amenable to <br />supplying (selling) other communities with softened, treated water. A treated water main would need <br />to be constructed from the Minneapolis to Elk River, most likely along the future North Star corridor. <br />4.7.2 Technical Feasibility and Reliability <br />This alternative involves constructing a water main over a distance of approximately 20 miles. <br />Significant cost savings might be achieved by installing a pipe line in conjunction with <br />improvements to the North Star rail corridor. Existing storage in Elk River would need to be <br />evaluated to determine adequacy because water transmission would likely be during the night in <br />order to obtain the best price for water. Reliability issues associated with the Minneapolis Water <br />Works would apply to this alternative. However, if Elk River Municipal Utilities maintained their <br />well network as a back-up supply, those risks would be substantially reduced. In addition, some <br />credit would likely be realized with Minneapolis in providing an emergency interconnect. As with <br />any long pipeline, there is a potential for short-term shut-down for repair or damage. The DNR is <br />strongly encouraging the City of Ramsey to pursue this alternative and is also encouraging Elk River <br />to participate. <br />P:\Mpls\23 MN\71\2371105 Water Supply Alternative Study\FinalDeliverables\Alternatives_Report_final.doc 33 <br />