Water Supply Need Prompts Legislated Study

Appraisal level study efforts by the Bureau of Reclamation identified water supply shortages associated with drought, and led to the authorization of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) under the Dakota Water Resources Act of 2000.  The RRVWSP study effort, which commenced in 2002 and consists of the simultaneous completion of a Needs & Options (N&O) Report in 2005 and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2006, is intended to address water quantity and quality challenges through the year 2050 posed by the relatively unreliable and poor water sources available to municipalities and regional water systems of the Red River Valley.

Technical Perspective Guides Completion of Studies

Based on the input provided during appraisal level studies and familiarity with the water quantity and quality needs of municipal and rural water systems of the Red River Valley, AE2S was retained by LAWA to serve as its representative on the Technical/Study Review Team for the RRVWSP, which includes stakeholders and state and federal agencies.  Serving in this capacity, AE2S staff is responsible for reviewing study documents, providing written comments, assisting water systems with various technical issues, and participating in scheduled meetings and related discussions.  The input provided by AE2S on behalf of LAWA has provided direction for the development of alternatives that will meet the long-term water supply needs of its stakeholders.

Metropolitan Area Requires Comprehensive Planning

Due to recent population growth trends and corresponding projections, it is estimated that the F-M Metro area would currently experience a water supply shortfall during a drought event.  Recognizing the need to develop a strategy for treating and distributing the water provided by the RRVWSP, the F-M Metro COG Water Supply Committee retained AE2S to develop a Water Supply and Treatment Integration Concept Plan.  A matrix of concepts and costs was developed to address RRVWSP alternatives, corresponding delivered water quality, and the phased implementation of local water system infrastructure to meet increasing water demands in the future.  The deliverable serves as a linking mechanism for F-M Metro area water systems to evaluate RRVWSP costs and local infrastructure costs.  In addition, it provides vision for regional water system possibilities and creates opportunity for water systems to work together to meet common objectives.