4.2. ERMUSR 06-08-2010Elk River
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 430
Elk River, MN 55330-0430
UTILITIES CONIMISSION MEETING
Phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
TO: FROM:
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission David Berg -Water Superintendent
John Dietz, Chair
Jerry Gumphrey, Vice Chair
Daz 1 Thom son, Trustee
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
June 8, 2010 4.2
SUBJECT:
Review & Consider Well Drillin Ordinance
Recently I spoke with Senator Mike Jungbauer about the issue of the DNR's extremely
low water rates in the context of residential irrigation. Senator Jungbauer expressed his
concerns to water waste. He is a promoter of water conservation as he has experience
with water and wastewater topics. Bill Bronder of Sherburne County -Soil & Water
Conservation had mentioned that he agrees with the DNR amending irrigation rates in the
residential spectrum, but feels the agriculture rate should not be changed along with the
residential rates. Bruce Olson -Minnesota Department of Health is standing behind Elk
River Municipal Utilities in the hope to stop unnecessazy well drilling. By stopping
future irrigation well drilling within the water system, it lessens the chance of aquifer
contamination and reduces excessive water waste. Senator Lisa Fobbe will be
corresponding with me shortly about this issue and seems to be in favor of hindering well
drilling. Senator Jungbauer wants to set up a meeting with the DNR, Soil & Water,
MDH, and myself to discuss city water availability paralleling no new well drilling.