Water worries loom large over Minnetrista

As Minnetrista’s population continues to grow, its water infrastructure needs an estimated $22 million in upgrades over the next two years.

Aaron Vollmer with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S), the city’s water engineering consulting firm, outlined recommended improvements at the Minnetrista City Council meeting on April 15.

The city’s current water supply consists of two water treatment plants and several groundwater wells within the city limits, which supply water to the distribution system and elevated storage. Currently, the water distribution system is divided into two separate zones, a north zone and south zone.

Vollmer pointed out that there are several challenges with the city’s current water system, including substantial growth placing strain on the system, lack of storage to provide adequate redundancy in the event of failure or disruption to the primary system, greater maximum daily demand than what the south zone system can produce, wells being taken offline due to poor water quality, and regulatory requirements.

According to Vollmer, in the last five years, both zones have averaged between 120-130 gallons of water per capita per day. Vollmer noted that the city’s water system will need to more than double to meet the Metropolitan Council’s 2040 density goals.

Vollmer also highlighted the notable disparity between the average daily demand on the water system and the maximum daily demand, particularly as the latter tends to rise during the summer months.

In response, Mayor Lisa Whalen emphasized the significant costs associated with lawn irrigation, highlighting the financial burden on the city. She suggested that, to alleviate pressure on the water supply, the city could require that every new home that is built connect to a stormwater pond for irrigation. Additionally, she highlighted that the council retains the authority to enforce more stringent watering regulations.

In the immediate future, AE2S advises the city to prioritize developments in the south zone. For the year 2024, AE2S recommends constructing two new wells and decommissioning two existing ones, totaling an expenditure of $2.2 million. Additionally, consultants suggest building a new water treatment plant in Woodland Cove in 2025, estimated to cost $19.6 million.

AE2S’s capital plan also outlines plans for additional storage facilities in both the north and south zones, alongside the construction of two new wells and a new water treatment plant in the north zone by 2028. These projects would require an additional investment of $24.6 million. Vollmer noted that these figures include a 30 percent contingency.

The council expressed sticker shock concerns and will have a work session on May 20 to discuss options for financing the project.

At the conclusion of Vollmer’s presentation, the council approved plans and specifications for the two new municipal production wells and authorized advertising the project for bid.

In other news, the council heard a presentation from Kevin Anderson, Hennepin County commissioner for District 7, on the county’s ongoing priorities. He highlighted that 500 Minnetrista residents received human services from Hennepin County last year. Additionally, he reported that the Minnetrista City Council Public Safety Department made 108 referrals to Hennepin County’s embedded social worker program in 2023.

The council also approved plans and specifications and authorized distribution of quotes for the West Branch culvert replacement project located just east of Sunnyfield Road. The budgeted amount for the project is $50,000 and the work will take place this summer.

During the staff report, Jasper Kruggel, city administrator, reminded residents about several upcoming city events, including special clean-up day on May 4, the state of the city address on May 7, Trista Day on May 18, and the City Bus Tour on June 4. Details about each event can be found on the city website.

Kruggel also explained that the “Missing Middle” housing bill, which the council passed a resolution opposing during its March 18 meeting, has stalled in the Minnesota Legislature for this year after outcry from numerous cities. He noted, however, it is likely that another version of the bill will be reintroduced during the next legislative session.