Bill > SF840

This bill amends Minnesota's water appropriation regulations for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer by establishing more stringent conditions for issuing new water use permits. Specifically, the bill requires that the state's commissioner of natural resources can only issue new permits for potable (drinking) water from this aquifer if three key conditions are met: (1) there are no feasible or practical alternative water sources, (2) the permit includes a water conservation plan that incorporates the best available conservation technology and practices, and (3) the permit is consistent with existing water appropriation regulations. For non-potable water permits from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer, the bill adds an additional restriction that such permits can only be issued for areas outside metropolitan counties. These provisions aim to protect and manage water resources more carefully by ensuring that any new water appropriations from this aquifer are carefully evaluated, conservation-minded, and necessary, with particular scrutiny applied to non-essential or non-drinking water uses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0840&ssn=0&y=2025