MN HF2824

Modifies water appropriation investigation authority to allow commissioners to investigate and monitor activities with or without permits that may affect state waters.

Eliminates the December 31, 1990 deadline and 5,000,000 gallon threshold for prohibiting once-through cooling system permits; requires conversion to water-efficient alternatives within equipment design life, effective January 1, 2015.

Establishes administrative penalty authority allowing penalties up to $20,000 for water appropriation violations, with expedited hearing procedures and reduced penalties if violations are corrected within 31 days.

Requires tamper-proof flow meters for all piped water installations by January 1, 2017, and imposes penalties of $300 or 2% of annual permit fees (whichever is greater) for noncompliant reporting; three violations within five years results in permit termination.

Adds $300 annual penalty for each year of unauthorized water appropriation (up to seven years maximum) and authorizes fee waivers for storm water runoff installations that offset groundwater use.