Ramsey County Parks and Recreation’s Soil and Water Conservation Division hired Barr to conduct a countywide stormwater reuse assessment. The purpose of the assessment was to identify and prioritize opportunities to use stormwater for irrigation across Ramsey County, with broader goals of conserving groundwater and improving surface water quality through reduced pollutant loading from stormwater. We began by collaborating with the county, watershed management organizations & districts, and other potential project partners to gather initial input and help build support for the assessment.
The assessment was conducted in four phases, beginning with a desktop (GIS) analysis to identify technically feasible sites based on parcel size, estimated available stormwater, and potential irrigation demand. The sites were then ranked using a scoring system that considered reuse volume and alignment with project goals. In the next phase, Ramsey County engaged landowners at top-ranked sites, and Barr conducted field visits to assess irrigation needs and develop reuse concepts. We then optimized reuse system sizing and provided stormwater reuse concepts and planning-level cost estimates for each high-ranking site.
In the final phase, we prepared a comprehensive report documenting the assessment results. The report now serves as a valuable resource for municipalities and watershed organizations planning or seeking partnerships for stormwater reuse projects across Ramsey County.
