Groundwater Depletion – Balancing Use to Reduce Conflicts in Minnesota

​Minnesota is a state rich in water resources – including the headwaters of three major river basins, more than 12,000 lakes and extensive groundwater aquifers in many parts of the state.  All these water resources are interconnected – so lowered groundwater levels affect streams and lakes.  For this reason, using water in ways that minimize impacts on both groundwater and surface water is critical.  This requires a comprehensive, long-term approach to water resources management that accounts for system interactions.  Curious about how this interconnection works?  Read here to see where the rivers and streams of Kansas went, and to think about what it means for areas near you.

To accomplish this, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed a draft ground water strategy  and is working to implement it now.  Areas of special concern have been designated and plans developed; these are online here – follow the links to see what’s being done in these areas.  

“Sustainable use of groundwater is the use of water to provide for the needs of society, now and in the future, without unacceptable social, economic, or environmental consequences.”- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/groundwater_section/sustainability/index.html
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​There are many competing interests for water; water appropriations in Minnesota are guided by statute.  The highest priority is for domestic consumption, but ecosystem values are critical, too, so DNR must balance the stated water priorities with making sure that streams and other surface waters are also not depleted. 
 
Case in point is Little Rock Creek, just north of St. Cloud in central Minnesota.  This creek is a trout stream that leads to the Mississippi, and has been designated as impaired.  There is extensive irrigated agriculture in the watershed, along with several small cities and considerable private well development.  Animal agriculture is growing in this watershed as well. Groundwater use has lowered the water table and affected the ecology of Little Rock Creek.  There’s extensive area where nitrate levels exceed the drinking water limit and nutrients are choking Little Rock Lake.  DNR has worked with local interests in all sectors and has a draft plan on public notice now.  LWV UMRR is working with the local League (LWV St. Cloud) to comment on the plan; a public meeting will be held on December 9. 
 
The DNR plan is very clearly written and illustrated and so the information is very understandable.  One big shortcoming, however, is the fact that this DNR plan only addresses water use, not the high and increasing nitrate levels.  This is because other state agencies are involved here – the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is developing rules for nitrogen fertilizer management; the Minnesota Department of Health works with public water supplies to ensure that standards are met and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency works with county governments to regulate septic systems and livestock operations.  Fixing the problems here will be a long effort taking significant resources and requiring cooperation from many diverse sectors.