Saving resources: meeting Minnesota's water and wastewater needs

Public water and wastewater treatment needs could easily exceed $1.5 billion by 2000. Upgrading substandard on-site wastewater systems could add another $1.7 billion, says a new Environmental Quality Board report, Saving Resources: Meeting Minnesota's Water and Wastewater Needs.

 

Federal funds are decreasing, leaving the state and local governments with increased burdens. While funding grows tighter, both state and local governments need new approaches to safeguard water supplies and ensure adequate wastewater treatment.

The Environmental Quality Board Water Resources Committee recommends an overall mission to unify efforts and provide a standard for measuring results. Sustainable development and local water plans are needed to set a framework for managing water and wastewater. The state is expected to use these plans to target its grant and loan funding.