Senate Bill 1181 and ARI models discussed as possible limits on large Great Lakes withdrawals

Attendees discussed Senate Bill 1181, a reintroduced measure from the previous legislative session concerning water withdrawals tied to the Great Lakes, and sought clarity on how Aquifer Recharge Impact (ARI) models treat surface-groundwater connectivity.

Staff and members raised two linked concerns: (1) a proposed limit on withdrawals in the bill and related policy could shift water sourcing to smaller or more vulnerable groundwater supplies, and (2) ARI models and permitting practices must reflect that surface water and groundwater are often hydrologically connected, so withdrawals and wastewater discharges to the same system can compound contamination risks.

One attendee said the bill number is Senate Bill 1181 and that it would be reintroduced this year. Speakers warned that withdrawal limits could force some communities to rely on more locally vulnerable groundwater sources and that increased infrastructure costs from switching sources might not be recoverable through customer billing.

Participants sought technical clarification about ARI modeling: whether those models assess the ability to withdraw water (pumpability) versus water quality changes in the receiving stream. Staff said ARI models generally evaluate withdrawal capability and that quality changes are a separate consideration.

Speakers urged that the policy debate include wastewater discharge patterns and cumulative contaminants in downstream reaches; several noted that larger dischargers upstream can elevate contaminant load in the same river that downstream communities may rely on for drinking water. Attendees described recent outreach with municipalities and anticipated further technical briefings.

No formal policy positions were recorded; participants indicated they would continue stakeholder conversations and follow the bill as it moves through the legislature.