Purpose:

Reduce impacts and demands on our water resources through a combination of water conservation (using less water) and reuse (using water more than once before discharge).

Justification:

Water is an increasingly scarce resource both regionally and nationally. Growing demands are arising from an expanding population, changing lifestyles and industrial, commercial and agricultural uses. Even in Minnesota, a land of many waters, water is not replenished at the same rate that it is used. Sustainable water management practices should be an integral part of water use and planning by individual as well as large water users, even in the absence of water restrictions.

• Reduce the volume and slow the rate of water leaving the land
• Reduce the concentration of pollutants in stormwater
• Encourage water conservation and reuse whenever opportunities arise
• Provide technical and funding assistance for projects in the watershed
• Provide leadership in the area of stormwater conservation and reuse practices
• Pilot innovative and visible demonstrations to showcase practical applications and techniques
• Advance the development of water conservation and reuse practices for landscape and building design
• Learn from and work with other groups and efforts
• Modify ordinances and variances
• Identify research questions
• Promote integration of building and landscape design
• Assist member organizations in eliminating remaining combined sewer overflows