New Study Sheds Light on Minnesota Water Use

The land of 10,000 lakes may see a water crunch in the next few decades if water use continues to grow at its current levels according to a study by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board and the Department of Natural Resources (PDF). Minnesota is expecting a 26 percent population increase by 2030, and much of that growth will occur in the Twin Cities, an area that already uses a large portion of available water resources. According to the study authors:

The label of Minnesota as water rich does not fit as well as once thought. The growth corridor stretching from south of the Twin Cities to St. Cloud already makes significant demands on its renewable water resources, making water supply management a special concern.

The study looked at water use patterns for each county and the recharge rate for water resources (lakes, rivers, aquifers). The study found that only one Minnesota county used more water than nature replaced; Ramsey County used 135 percent of it’s renewable water resources in 2005.  Other Twin Cities metropolitan counties had water use below recharge rates in 2005: Hennepin County used 72 percent, Dakota and Washington counties used 62 percent, Anoka county used 39 percent, Carver used 22 percent, and Scott county used 10 percent. By 2030, the study projects that Ramsey and Washington counties will be using water well above the amount of replacement at 177 percent and 172 percent, while Hennepin and Dakota counties will be using water at the rate of replacement with 99 percent.

The study authors don’t provide any concrete solutions to the projected increased demand for water in Minnesota, but does suggest the need for citizen input and continued monitoring.

The City of Minneapolis, however, is launching a new program this year that, in part, will address the issue of water scarcity. Beginning in May, Minneapolis will be offering rain barrels at discount prices to residents thanks to a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The barrels collect runoff, resulting in less pollution in area lakes and rivers, as well as conserving water. Residents can reuse the collected water for non-drinking purposes.

For more information on Minneapolis’ rain barrel program: Rain Barrels.