Water Wisely as Drought Continues

Residents, businesses encouraged to use water wisely as drought conditions persist

The Minneosta DNR recently announced the Mississippi Headwaters watershed entered the drought warning response phase as described in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan. The City of Minneapolis is within the Mississippi Headwaters watershed.

With rising temperatures and few significant rain events, drought conditions continue to impact the Mississippi River. As a result, river flows are approaching the threshold that would trigger the City to implement and enforce watering restrictions. While the City has not yet officially declared watering restrictions, it is urging residents and water users to pitch in by following these sensible water conservation practices:

• Water during the coolest part of the day. If your plants need water, water in the early morning or later evening.

• Water grass as needed. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week. Turn off any automatic watering controls. Only turn the water on when your lawn shows signs of excessive dryness.

• Prioritize tree watering. Proactively water your trees. Drought conditions cause stress to trees and threaten our urban tree canopy.

• Mulch your trees and plants. Mulch helps prevent water evaporation and weed growth.

• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings provide shade for the soil.

• Let the grass grow longer to prevent premature drying.

• Check for leaks. Leaks in hoses, pipes and sprinklers waste a lot of water.

• The City is working with the State and community water suppliers to implement appropriate and adequate drought response measures. The City will continue to actively monitor drought conditions and share additional information.