SF4192

Purpose

This bill sets rules for issuing new water-use permits that would take water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. Its goal is to protect the aquifer by requiring stronger limits and planning before permits can be granted.

Main Provisions

• The commissioner may not issue new water-use permits for water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer unless certain conditions are met.
• The permit must be for potable water use or for agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county (as defined by Minnesota law).
• There must be no feasible or practical alternatives to using this aquifer.
• A water conservation plan must be included with the permit.
• These changes amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a to specify when and how Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer permits can be issued.

Changes to Existing Law and Impact

• Adds specific gating criteria that effectively limit new permits from this aquifer to only certain uses and situations.
• Places emphasis on using alternative water sources if available and on conserving water through a formal plan.
• Ties the geographic scope to the metropolitan county definition in section 473.121 subdivision 4.
• Represents a shift toward more cautious and planned management of the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.

Practical Implications

• Municipalities or farmers seeking new withdrawals from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer will need to demonstrate no viable alternatives and must implement a conservation plan.
• The bill may slow or limit new withdrawals from this aquifer unless the specified conditions are satisfied.

Relevant Terms - Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer - water-use permits - appropriation - potable water - agricultural irrigation - metropolitan county - feasible alternatives - practical alternatives - water conservation plan - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a