Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer certain water appropriations authorization

This bill (SF 840) modifies Minnesota's water permit rules for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. It requires new permits for drinking water use from this aquifer to include a demonstration that no other water sources are feasible, a water conservation plan using modern technology, and compliance with other water laws. For non-drinking water use (like industrial processes), permits are only allowed outside metropolitan counties and must meet the same three requirements. The bill directly affects water users, developers, and municipalities seeking new permits from this specific aquifer. It creates concrete new conditions for obtaining permits but does not change existing water rights.