The State of Minnesota charges fees for water appropriation by volume. The enabling statute does not specifically address aggregate wash plants or the great extent by which such plants recycle water. Many aggregate producers have been paying fees based on the volume of water that passes through a certain point in the system. Because of the high recycle rate, this type of measurement would not be representative of the volume of water consumed or permanently removed from on-site water resources.

Aggregate industry professionals determined that a study was needed to measure actual recycle rates. In 2023, ARM of Minnesota commissioned such a study.

Researchers found that "at least 75% of wash water circulated through most aggregate wash plants in Minnesota is recycled or returned directly to the source."

Click here to download the 2024 Water Appropriation Study.