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SF 840

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer certain water appropriations authorization

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Hoffman and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill authorizes water appropriations from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer, establishing legal withdrawal rights from this deep underground geological formation.

Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy
#naturalresourcesandnaturalresourcesdepartment #waterandsoilconservation #water #waterresources #andwaterways
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Bill Summary · SF 840

Legislative bill overview

SF 840 authorizes specific water appropriations from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer in Minnesota. This bill establishes legal permission for designated water withdrawals from this deep underground geological formation. The measure was introduced in January 2025 and is currently under committee review.

Why is this important

The Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer is a significant freshwater resource in Minnesota, and explicit appropriation authorizations determine who can legally extract water, in what quantities, and for what purposes. Clarifying water rights from this aquifer affects agricultural, industrial, and municipal water planning across affected regions. Such authorizations have long-term implications for water availability, groundwater sustainability, and economic development in Minnesota.

Potential points of contention

  • Aquifer depletion concerns: Deep aquifers like Mt. Simon-Hinckley recharge very slowly, raising questions about whether authorized withdrawals are sustainable long-term
  • Competing water demands: Agricultural, industrial, and municipal interests may conflict over allocation priorities and quantities
  • Environmental impact clarity: The bill's specific withdrawal limits, environmental safeguards, and monitoring requirements are not detailed in available information, leaving uncertainty about protective measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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