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B. Water Use Object i ve o prevent the occurrence of water shortage problems, such as well interference and aquifer drawaown, as a result of the increased use of water source heat pumps. Pro oral l: Instruct the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to Include regulations controlling the use of water source ,peat pumps in their existing water supply management program. Justification Water super -problems such ds aquifer drawdown and well interferenre could increase with the development of water source heat pumps. Domestic systems can use up to 7,000 gallons of water 3 day ir, cold .inter climates. Groundwater supply management programs can address potential supply oroble►,ls in "critical water areas" by requiring the use of non -consumptive closed -loop or reinjection systems, or by setting sell -spacing stanuards and pumping limits for consumptive systems. (Consumptive systems are systems that do not return the heat pump effluent directly to the water source, while non -consumptive systems eitl.er reinject thi effluent back into the source aquifer or continually circulate the same water through a "closed loop.") Discussion Unlike post riparian ,tates, Minnesota has developed a sophisticated rater use management program. i'ypically, riparian states rely on the criteria reasonable use to settle water supply disputes. Such case -by -case adjudication is unpredictable and is therefore of limited value as a planning tool. Also, few ripa-ian states have empowerea their state regulatory agencies to regulate wate, supply. In contrast, the groundwater law in Minnesota evolved into a permit system tared on priority of use. The five priorities 1 descending order are: 1) domestic water supply; 2) any use that invLlves less than 10,000 gallons per aay; 3) agricultural irriga Lon in excess of 10,000 gallons per day; 4) power generation in of 10,000 gallons per aay; and 5) other uses (i.e., comner--i,,' ind-strial) in excess of 10,000 gallons per Gay. The DNR has been empowered to conduct a nt -vstem based on this priority system. Thus, unlike most riparian state,, Minnesota has uti ned predictable criteria for settling water use disputes that can also , used for water use planning, and has granted ar agency clear statutory authv, ty to protect the public interest in regard to the water supply issues. The R already has the basic structure to address the potential for water supp, )roblems that may occur with the increased use of water source heat oumps. However, the I egislature may want to: -12-