DNR Reaches Settlement in Lake Level Lawsuit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has settled a lawsuit over declining water levels in White Bear Lake.

A group of homeowners sued the DNR two years ago, claiming the agency had allowed too much groundwater use in the area.

The settlement stops litigation for up to three years. Meanwhile, the DNR will support efforts to move 13 communities from using groundwater to using surface water from the Mississippi River.

It's not clear when that will happen. The DNR says moving the first six communities would cost as much as $230 million, and no one has committed to paying.

The DNR also agreed to set a minimum water level to guide regulation of new or existing groundwater permits. That wouldn't apply until the first six communities move to surface water.