Aspects Of Water Resources Law In Minnesota

Minnesota has a unique role in U.S. water policy. Hydrologically, it is a state with more than 12,000 lakes, an inland sea, and the headwaters of three major river systems: the St Lawrence, the Red River of the North, and the Mississippi. Institutionally, Minnesota is also unique. All U.S. states use Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) approaches to addressing impaired waters. Every TMDL requires a substantial investment of resources, including data collection, modeling, stakeholder input and analysis, a watershed management plan, as well as process and impact monitoring. Minnesota is the only state in the union that has passed legislation (the 2007 Clean Water Legacy Act) providing significant resources to support the TMDL process. The book will be an excellent guide for policymakers and decision makers who are interested in learning about alternative approaches to water management. Non-governmental organizations interested in stimulating effective water quality policy will also find this a helpful resource. Finally, there are similarities between the lessons learned in Minnesota and the goals of water policy in several other states and nations, where there are competing uses of water for households, agriculture, recreation, and navigation.

The purpose of this document is to provide a single reference, in two volumes, that provides information pertaining to International, Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local agreements that affect water availability and distribution in Minnesota and all of its political subdivisions. The study scope is the entire state of Minnesota, as well as examination of existing multi-stage agreements. Research included contact with numerous Federal, State, and bi-state agencies. Volume 1 presents a summary of the findings on water allocation in Minnesota. Included is an overview of water allocation and abstracts of various laws, rules, and regulations. Contents: International Treaties, Conventions and Protocols; Indian Water Resources; Department of Natural Resources; Watershed Districts, Water User Districts, and Water Supply District Legislation; Minnesota Department of Health; Procedures for Water Supply Emergencies; Summary of Agency Involvement, New Water Supply.