Industrial Water Conservation in the North and East Groundwater Management Area
The University of Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) identified opportunities for industrial water users in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area (N&E Metro GWMA) to reduce their water consumption as part of the Department of Natural Resources strategies under the GWMA plan. The source of water in this delineated region is almost exclusively groundwater. Several approaches were used for this effort in order to reach, inform, and interact with a broad range of industrial users.
MnTAP staff members compiled useful research and best management practice (BMP) information on water conservation opportunities in industry, advertised and distributed water conservation information, tracked facility assessment water conservation recommendations, estimated conservation potential by site, and assisted companies with implementation of recommendations. Deliverables included:
• N&E Metro GWMA data compilation and analysis report
• Water conservation electronic newsletters for wide distribution in the area
• Four onsite water conservation opportunity assessment reports provided to participating companies
• Onsite work recommending water conservation opportunities
• MnTAP intern projects in support of identification and implementation of water conservation options at target facilities in the N&E Metro GWMA
• Final report compiling the results of the research and information outreach and onsite assessments
$400,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to develop a plan for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area and to predesign preferred long-term solutions to address regional water supply and sustainability issues, including enhancing surface waters, in collaboration with the commissioner of natural resources. The plan, incorporating standard engineering practices, must address construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure needed to implement the preferred solutions and, in consultation with the Public Facilities Authority, include recommendations for funding that would fairly allocate the costs to users and other beneficiaries. As the plan is developed, the council must meet periodically with the local water supply work group to review details of the plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015. $100,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to investigate, in collaboration with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Pollution Control Agency, the feasibility of collecting and treating storm water in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area to enhance surface waters and groundwater recharge. $50,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MNTAP) to identify opportunities for industrial water users to reduce or reuse their water consumption within the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area.
MnTAP staff members will compile useful research and BMP information on water conservation opportunities in industry, advertise and distribute water conservation information, track facility assessment facility water conservation recommendations, estimated conservation potential by site, and assist companies with implementation of recommendations.
Outcomes will be reported at project completion.
$400,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to develop a plan for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area and to predesign preferred long-term solutions to address regional water supply and sustainability issues, including enhancing surface waters, in collaboration with the commissioner of natural resources. The plan, incorporating standard engineering practices, must address construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure needed to implement the preferred solutions and, in consultation with the Public Facilities Authority, include recommendations for funding that would fairly allocate the costs to users and other beneficiaries. As the plan is developed, the council must meet periodically with the local water supply work group to review details of the plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015. $100,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to investigate, in collaboration with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Pollution Control Agency, the feasibility of collecting and treating storm water in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area to enhance surface waters and groundwater recharge. $50,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MNTAP) to identify opportunities for industrial water users to reduce or reuse their water consumption within the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area.
See Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Measurable Outcomes.
DELIVERABLES
• N&E Metro GWMA data compilation and analysis report
• Semi-monthly water conservation electronic newsletters for wide distribution in the area
• Four onsite water conservation opportunity assessment reports provided to participating companies
• Three MnTAP intern projects in support of identification and implementation of water conservation options at target facilities in the N&E Metro GWMA
• Final report compiling the results of the research and information outreach and onsite assessments
OUTCOMES
• The feasibility of conserving water in local industry, as part of the effort to rebalance regional and sub-regional water use demonstrated
• Onsite work recommends 20 million gallons/year of water conservation opportunity