Water Resources Planning for New Hampshire (with no resources) Paul Susca New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services March 26, 2011

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1 Water Resources Planning for New Hampshire (with no resources) Paul Susca New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services March 26, 2011

2 Today s Talk Planning for our water future N.H. water challenges What s next Preliminary recommendations Role of municipalities

limited funding to begin planning effort: Water Resources Primer Statewide Survey

3 Phase 1 Development of a Comprehensive Water Resources Plan 2003: N.H. Legislature established Water Resources Committee : NHDES acquired limited funding to begin planning effort: Water Resources Primer Statewide Survey of Policy Makers Availability vs Use Assessment (current and future) Public workshops and report to WRC

N.H. Water Resources Primer Primer (prim-er): A book that covers the

citizens about the state s WR and the challenges faced in sustainably

To provide the reader with an understanding of the complex and

4 N.H. Water Resources Primer Primer (prim-er): A book that covers the basic elements of a subject Purpose To inform policy makers and citizens about the state s WR and the challenges faced in sustainably managing them. To provide the reader with an understanding of the complex and interrelated nature of WR and WR issues. To help WR Committee determine next steps toward development of a State Water Resources Plan.

Results from an extensive deliberative process that involves stakeholders, policy makers, and public

5 The Primer is Not a Plan Primer (what we now have) Descriptive (overview) Preliminary ID of issues Preliminary recommendations Plan (yet to be developed) More detailed description of resources, etc. Results from an extensive deliberative process that involves stakeholders, policy makers, and public Includes a blueprint for future policies and management Action items, resources and schedule identified

6 Contents of Primer Executive Summary Introduction and Overview Rivers and Streams Lakes and Ponds Groundwater Wetlands Coastal and Estuarine Waters Water Use and Conservation Drinking Water Wastewater Stormwater Dams Floods and Droughts Appendices

7 Four Underlying Challenges Land and water use Climate change Infrastructure Data needs

Challenge 1: Changing Land and Water Use Economic and

capita water use Lots of impervious area -13,500 acres

8 Challenge 1: Changing Land and Water Use Economic and population growth. More, larger, development occurring across the landscape How we ve grown isn t good for water resources Increased per capita water use Lots of impervious area -13,500 acres converted/year Water quality impacted Groundwater recharge reduced News Flash: N.H. still fastestgrowing state in New England

9 Stormwater Impacts

Challenge 2: Climate Change What to Expect.

in water pollution Changes in Water availability

10 Challenge 2: Climate Change What to Expect. More frequent, intense storms Increased temperature Sea level rise N.H. Impacts More flooding and, possibly, droughts Increases in water pollution Changes in Water availability Boundaries, sizes of water bodies Aquatic biology Impacts to coast most pronounced Source: Madsen & Figdor, 2007

Need ($ Millions) Water Supply $762 Wastewater $1,300

11 Challenge 3: Infrastructure Category $800 M in pre-apps for $58 M in stimulus money received in February 2009 Est. Need ($ Millions) Water Supply $762 Wastewater $1,300 Stormwater $92 Dams State $18 Dams- Municipal $40 Total $2,112 preliminary estimates

12 Challenge 4: Data Needs Stream gauges Groundwater levels Water quality (surface and ground) Invasive species Flood elevations

13 Water Plan Road Show Primer + Survey 16 public meetings Nearly 300 attendees Feb May 2009 Top concerns we heard Stormwater management Role of local officials in WR protection Groundwater

Public process to develop management goals for each watershed Follow up with

14 After the 2009 Road Show Road show, part 2 Rotary Clubs Seeking additional federal funding to: Compile existing and new data Enhance visualization tools Public process to develop management goals for each watershed Follow up with data collection and program changes by watershed Water Sustainability Planning Commission

15 Meanwhile, back at the State House... Stormwater Commission Infrastructure Commission Groundwater Commission Land Development Commission

16 What s Next? Water Sustainability Planning Commission... to create a 20-year Water Sustainability plan for New Hampshire, evaluating the infrastructure, investments, and other measures we must make... Composition:? Charge:? Timetable:? Resources:?

17 Meanwhile, back at the local level... Land is developed Riparian areas are cleared Stormwater runs off Lawns are watered during droughts Infrastructure ages The climate changes Aquifers are carved up

18 Rivers and Streams Preliminary Recommendations Protect riparian areas Increase data collection Reduce impacts of land development Instream flow protection

19 Coastal & Estuarine Waters Preliminary Recommendations Strategy to adapt to climate change Reduce nutrient & sediment loads Limit boat moorings Prioritize removal of head-of-tide dams Expand shellfish harvesting opportunities Support land conservation & stormwater BMPs

20 Stormwater Preliminary Recommendations Encourage local adoption of new state standards Encourage LID and compact development Upgrade infrastructure Stormwater utilities

21 Primer Recommendations Overview Improve knowledge Increase water use efficiency Improve land use patterns Improve stormwater management Adapt to climate change Address infrastructure needs Better integrate protection efforts Need watershed vs municipal approaches Increase emergency preparedness

Water quality of streams and rivers 74% Increased flooding 73% Shoreland development

22 Survey: Top Issues (Part 2) From among 32 issues listed: Impact of development on WQ 82% Potential contamination of existing wells and aquifers 77% Loss of wetlands 75% Water quality of streams and rivers 74% Increased flooding 73% Shoreland development 73% Climate change 71% Percentage of responses indicating very or somewhat concerned

Tackling the Challenges Stormwater Commission (2010) Goal: all NH

to deal with SW in impaired watersheds Require or encourage local

Survey of potential funding mechanisms Work ongoing Groundwater

Large GW withdrawals Land Development Commission (2010) Consider

23 Tackling the Challenges Stormwater Commission (2010) Goal: all NH covered by SW utilities Rec: require municipalities to adopt regs to deal with SW in impaired watersheds Require or encourage local regs per state requirements Infrastructure Commission ( ) Survey of potential funding mechanisms Work ongoing Groundwater Commission (2010) Water conservation plans Water use reporting Large GW withdrawals Land Development Commission (2010) Consider integrated land development permit Incentive-based programs to encourage smart growth

Tools for Towns Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques Handbook

Stormwater management Aquifer protection zoning Shoreland

Landscaping, e.g. for water use efficiency Model ord.

Authority to form stormwater utility (2008) Ability to regulate

24 Tools for Towns Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques Handbook (2008) Density (many approaches) Erosion & sediment control Stormwater management Aquifer protection zoning Shoreland protection Wetlands ordinance Flood hazard area zoning Landscaping, e.g. for water use efficiency Model ord. to restrict lawn watering (all sources) during drought (2007) Authority to form stormwater utility (2008) Ability to regulate GW withdrawals per local plan (sorry, not yet) Natural Resources Outreach Coalition (UNH 42 coastal towns)