Water supply plan development resources
The resources below align with the sections in the water supply plan online form and supporting tables workbook.
Community and system information
Planning packet (in MPARS - login required)
Water system operator records and experience
Previous water supply plan (in MPARS)
Demographics and growth
Minnesota Demographic Center: historical population and households
Metropolitan Council local forecasts (seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area only)
Metropolitan Council System Statements
Local knowledge including engineering, planning, and economic development teams
Historic water use
ESP Water (login required)
MPARS (login required)
Local water meter and billing records
Previous water supply plans
Water supply system infrastructure
Public Water Supply Inventory (from MDH Sanitary Survey Report).
Previous water supply plans
American Water Works Association (some resources require membership)
American Water Works Association free water audit software v6.1
Conservation, risk and resilience
Water conservation best practices
EPA WaterSense: Best Management Practices, Campaigns, Ideas for Utilities
University of Minnesota Lawn Water Conservation
University of Minnesota Extension Lawns and Landscapes
Metropolitan Council Water Conservation Toolbox
Texas Water Development Board: Best Management Practices for Municipal Water Users
American Water Works Association (some resources require membership)
Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association Best Practice Examples in IL
Rate structures and rate setting
Setting Small Drinking Water System Rates for a Sustainable Future (for communities serving fewer than 3,300 people)
Alliance for Water Efficiency: Building Better Water Rates for an Uncertain World
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant: Understanding Conservation Pricing
Texas Water Development Board BMP Guide: Water Conservation Pricing
Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District: Conservation-Based Rate Structures
The “Relevant Resources and Examples” section may be particularly useful
Ordinances
Minnesota Rural Water Association Model Ordinance for Lawn Watering Restrictions
Minnesota Rural Water Association Model Ordinances
Case studies from Minnesota communities
Drought planning guidance
Emergency supply and contingency planning resources:
Rural Community Assistance Partnership: Emergency Response Planning Guide for Public Drinking Water Systems
CDC: Emergency Water Supply Planning Guide for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Equity and environmental justice considerations
Guidance on incorporating equity considerations
Tips for meaningful community engagement
Sustainability
The third generation of Water Supply Plans now incorporates stronger conservation measures and the concept of sustainability. Sustainable water use is the use of water for the needs of society, now and in the future, without unacceptable social, economic, or environmental consequences. The potential impacts from water use must be considered when planning for development of new water sources or increased water withdrawals.
Observation wells - Observation wells may provide useful information on water level trends for aquifers in your area. Hydrographs, well descriptions and water level data are available for each well in the Cooperative Groundwater Monitoring Webpage.
Trout streams - Minnesota Statutes (103G.285, Subd. 5) and Rules (6115.0670, Subp. 3 B) prohibit water withdrawals that impact designated trout streams. A list of designated trout streams is found in Minnesota Rules (6264.0050, Subpart 4).
Calcareous fens - These are unique wetlands that require an upwelling of groundwater similar to a spring to survive and can be impacted by groundwater withdrawals. These wetlands are protected under Minnesota Statutes (103G.223) from being wholly or partially degraded.
Public Waters Inventory - Public waters wetlands include all type 3, type 4, and type 5 wetlands (as defined in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Circular No. 39, 1971 edition) that are 10 acres or more in size in unincorporated areas or 2.5 acres or more in size in incorporated areas (see Minnesota Statutes Section 103G.005). The DNR utilizes county-scale maps to show the general location of the public waters and public waters wetlands (lakes, wetlands, and watercourses) under its regulatory jurisdiction. These maps are commonly known as Public Waters Inventory (PWI) maps.
Wetland Conservation Act - To retain the benefits of wetlands and reach the legislation's goal of no-net-loss of wetlands, the Wetland Conservation Act requires anyone proposing to drain, fill, or excavate a wetland first to try to avoid disturbing the wetland; second, to try to minimize any impact on the wetland; and, finally, to replace any lost wetland acres, functions, and values.
Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer — The Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer is the deepest formation in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and is protected as a drinking water source. This aquifer can only be used as a potable water supply when there are no other alternatives and conservation measures are being implemented.
Climate — Climate data may provide useful insights into water level trends in your area.
Minnesota Well Index — The Minnesota Well Index can be used to identify wells located near a project area and can help determine potential for well interference problems. Please be aware that the Minnesota Well Index is not a complete list of wells and additional survey efforts may be necessary to identify all potential water supplies within a specified radius of a proposed production well.
Groundwater sustainability — General information about the Groundwater Thresholds Project.
Additional water resources
Below are resources from water management partners in Minnesota and at the federal level. You will find excellent information on water quality, water conservation, wellhead protections, and other materials that are beneficial to water suppliers.
Minnesota
Federal