6.4. ERMUSR 11-13-2007BARR
October 22, 2007
Barr Engineering Company
4700 West 77th Street • Minneapolis, MN 55435-4803
Phone: 952-832-2600 • Fax: 952-832-2601 • www.barr.com An EEO Employer
Minneapolis, MN • Hibbing, MN • Duluth, MN • Ann Arbor, MI .Jefferson City, MO
Bryan Adams
General Manager
Elk River Municipal Utilities
12069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Re: Proposal to Evaluate Water Supply Alternatives
Dear Mr. Adams:
The following is a proposal to conduct an initial evaluation of water-supply alternatives for the City
of Elk River. As we discussed, the water supply for Elk River (obtained from wells completed in the
Mt Simon-Hinckley aquifer) is likely sufficient for the next few years, given current population
growth in the service area. But Elk River and the surrounding communities are beginning to
experience accelerated growth that will likely continue as development follows the proposed North
Star rail line. Communities, such as Otsego, are growing rapidly and are using groundwater as their
water supply. As groundwater use (both public and private) in the vicinity of Elk River increases,
water supply conditions may change.
We understand that the Minnesota DNR has queried your interest in participating with nearby
communities, such as Ramsey, in developing a shared surface-water supply. Some of these
communities do not have access to bedrock aquifer systems and are looking for alternative sources of
water to meet future demand. Surface water requires significant investment in treatment facilities
before it can be used as a water supply.
Also, as we discussed, we are currently working with the Metropolitan Council in conducting a
water-supply study for the seven-county metro area. The major task in this study is the development
of amulti-aquifer computer model of groundwater flow in the area. The Metropolitan Council has
asked that we expand the model study area out to the western and northwestern extents of the Mt.
Simon-Hinckley aquifer, including the Elk River area. This model is scheduled to be completed in
the first quarter of 2008. At that time, this model can be used, with modifications, to evaluate a wide
variety of groundwater supply alternatives and to forecast the adequacy of supplies.
The study were are proposing is a screening-level review of your water-supply alternatives - an
inventory of potential alternatives that includes positives, negatives, and identifies initial information
that would be necessary to further evaluate. Based on this study, you may elect to evaluate further
alternatives in greater detail.
The following are the task that we propose to perform:
1. A review of Elk River's current water supply (groundwater from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley
aquifer)