Cities providing water for more than 1,000 people would not have to charge higher rates for using excess water if
HF1923, sponsored by Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R-Sartell), becomes law.
The bill would repeal so-called conservation rate structures for municipal water. These rates typically are higher, and are put it place if water use exceeds the demand of municipal water suppliers.
The House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
Patti Gartland, city administrator for Sartell, told members, “It’s our contention that water conservation is better handled at a local level.” She said conservation rates could boost water rates for the city’s largest customers, businesses and owners of apartment buildings.
David Leuthe, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources, said, “As we look at water supply management, we have to look at the larger picture.”
He referred to the part of state law repealed by the law, detailing what actions public water suppliers must take if a critical water deficiency is declared by the governor.
While Leuthe cited areas of the state that have ample groundwater, drought conditions remain in much of southern Minnesota and the northeast portion of the state.
Language deleted by the bill requires public water suppliers to create a conservation rate price structure and a public education program that includes water-conserving toilet and showerhead retrofits.
The companion,
SF1560, sponsored by Sen. John Pederson (R-St. Cloud), awaits action in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee.
Minnesota Index: Enjoying the outdoors
Facts and statistics on state parks and trails
(view full story)
Published 4/20/2012
Minnesota Index: Birding
Facts and statistics on birding in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/6/2012
A prickly situation
Farmers seek fair fight against noxious weeds
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Published 3/16/2012
Angling for more participation
DNR looks for ways to get more anglers and hunters into the great outdoors
(view full story)
Published 3/2/2012
Meeting halfway
Environment and energy law packs policy changes
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Published 8/11/2011
Legacy bill brought back to life
More than $449 million appropriated from voter-approved sales tax increase
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Trees from start to finish
Environment finance bill would close tree nursery
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Published 5/20/2011
Legacy spending differences
Conference committee needed to determine parks and trails funding
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Less means more
Some Legacy recipients may see increases despite drop in appropriation percentages
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2011
Minnesota Index: Outdoor Heritage Fund
Facts and statistics on the Outdoor Heritage Fund
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Published 4/29/2011
Environment bill reflects ‘priorities’
House addresses wild rice, harvesting timber and closing of state parks
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Putting a stop to aquatic invasive species
Broader enforcement, stiffer penalties proposed for violators
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Wild rice study proposed
Committee approves policies for wild rice, state parks
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2011
Should Minnesotans be hunting for land?
Legislators aim for no-net-loss and no-net-gain targets
(view full story)
Published 3/4/2011
Minnesota Index: Horticulture and agriculture
Figures and statistics on horticulture and agriculture in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/4/2011
At Issue: Leaving a legacy
Recipients report outcomes of dedicated tax appropriations
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Published 2/4/2011