ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state and indeed human beings have limited resources to combat drought, said Katie Smith, director of the state Ecological and Water Resources Division. “What people may not realize is that DNR and other government agencies only manage a relatively small number of lakes and rivers with water control structures, and these operate under specific management plans, Smith said. She noted that vast majority of Minnesota’s waters are subject to natural fluctuations.” Lakes, streams, and rivers are dependent on precipitation, over which there is little control; how much of that moisture is contributed by runoff, how much water is recharged or discharged through groundwater, over which there also is little control; and how much water evaporates, over which there also is little control. Even so, Smith’s message: Conserve water now for whatever happens tomorrow.
Earlier: State agency: Water cutbacks needed
Smith. Of Minnesota Natural Resources Department.