MN HF3610

Lowers the threshold for water diversions requiring legislative approval from 2,000,000 to 1,000,000 gallons per day average in a 30-day period.

Requires the commissioner to determine that remaining water in the basin of origin will adequately meet the basin's water resource needs during the diversion project's life before approval can be granted.

Lowers the threshold for consumptive use requiring legislative approval from 2,000,000 to 1,000,000 gallons per day average in a 30-day period, with exceptions for certain uses.

Exempts five categories of consumptive use from legislative approval requirement: domestic water supply, agricultural irrigation and processing, construction and mine dewatering, pollution abatement or remediation, and fish and wildlife enhancement projects using surface water.

Applies groundwater diversion and consumptive use standards under Minnesota Statutes section 103G.287, subdivision 5.