Mississippi River Forum

We water our lawns and wash our cars with water that is cleaner than many people in the world have access to for drinking, and the sustainability of our water supply is a growing concern. That's one reason Minnesota communities are increasingly looking for ways to use their water resources more efficiently and wisely.

The City of Eagan is partnering with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) and Barr Engineering to study the feasibility of using reclaimed water from MCES' Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant. The idea is to shift non-potable demands (like irrigation, fire fighting, and vehicle washing) from the city's treated, potable water supply to reclaimed wastewater. In addition to reducing demand on the groundwater aquifer the city uses for potable water supply, this could reduce treatment and water supply costs for users, improve regional source water sustainability, and may even provide a recharge source for groundwater.

Come learn how projects like this get off the ground and could help us all build more sustainable water use systems!

Steve Klein and Michelle Stockness are both engineers with Barr Engineering Company; Jon Eaton is the Utilities Superintendent for the City of Eagan.