HF4019

Purpose

• To change how new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer are approved, adding requirements and conditions to protect this water source.

Main Provisions

• Scope: Applies to new water-use permits that would withdraw water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
• Conditions for approval:
  • The permit must be for potable water use (drinking water) or for agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4).
  • There must be no feasible or practical alternatives to using this aquifer.
  • A water conservation plan must be included with the permit.
• Legal reference: These rules update Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a, specifically regarding the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.

What changes from existing law

• Adds tighter restrictions on issuing new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
• Requires a determination that no feasible or practical alternatives exist before approval.
• Requires incorporation of a water conservation plan with the permit.

Implications

• The state will more carefully limit new withdrawals from this aquifer.
• Preference is given to potable water use or outdoor farming irrigation outside certain metropolitan areas only when no other options exist.
• Encourages or requires conservation planning to accompany any permitted use.

Definitions and Terms Used

• Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer
• water-use permit
• potable water
• agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county
• metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4)
• feasible or practical alternatives
• water conservation plan
• commissioner (state official responsible for natural resources)

Relevant Terms - Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer - water-use permits - potable water - agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county - metropolitan county - feasible alternatives - practical alternatives - water conservation plan - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 103G.271 - subdivision 4a - commissioner