Woodbury Shines Light on Local Water Use, Projections for 2030

Woodbury officials are thinking ahead not just about development and infrastructure, but a key biological need – water.

Every two years, the Woodbury City Council develops three strategic initiatives that focus on “big picture” issues affecting residents' quality of life, according to a Sunday update posted on the municipality's Facebook page. In July 2015, members set the goal of maintaining a sustainable water supply.

Among other aims, they decided to strive toward flat water usage through 2030.

"To achieve this, a long-term blueprint was created, featuring a multifaceted combination of strategies and approaches, including enhanced education and conservation efforts; review of city operations water usage; and prospective lawn watering policy changes," the update said.

Why is protecting the water supply important?

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined that many communities in the northeast metro area – including Woodbury – may need a new water source in 20 years if use continues at its current pace. Should this new water source become necessary, current water rates would increase by three or four times, officials said.

The accompanying chart reflects the approximate total water use in Woodbury during 2014, including that from both public and private water wells. It also well projects 2030 water use with and without conservation efforts.

Check back this week for more information about mitigating your own water use.