The bill aims to enhance groundwater management in Minnesota by facilitating the use of artificial aquifer recharge in areas where groundwater levels are depleted and not recovering quickly enough. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103A.204, to include a new policy that encourages the consideration and implementation of artificial recharge options where feasible. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of various state agencies in groundwater protection and management, emphasizing a multiagency approach.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates funds for groundwater storage and recovery initiatives, specifically allocating money for the creation of a centralized aquifer-property database to aid in site characterization. It also assigns the Department of Health several duties, including the development of a decision-support system for evaluating aquifer storage and recovery, applying for primacy over class V injection wells, and modifying existing statutes to permit injection wells in relevant projects. These measures are intended to improve the management and sustainability of Minnesota's groundwater resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 103A.204