FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2021

Patrick Shea
General Manager
651-266-8943
patrick.shea@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Saint Paul Regional Water Services Announces Water Conservation Measures
Amid Drought Conditions

SPRWS Customers Are Encouraged To Engage in
Watering Schedules Starting Today 

SAINT PAUL, MN -- Today, amid ongoing drought conditions that continue to impact communities across the state, Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) announced water conservation measures. Starting today, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, SPRWS customers are encouraged to engage in watering schedules involving odd/even watering and watering time restrictions. 

"Saint Paul Regional Water Services has provided reliable, high-quality water for our community for nearly 100 years," said SPRWS General Manager Patrick Shea. "While we do not anticipate any service issues, these measures will support our water customers as we continue to monitor drought conditions in our community."

ABOUT DROUGHT CONDITIONS
On July 16, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Minnesota has entered a drought warning phase with 52% of Minnesota now experiencing severe drought. In the coming days and weeks, SPRWS will continue to work with water service partners, including the DNR, to monitor drought conditions in our community. 

ABOUT WATER CONVERSATION MEASURES
Effective Tuesday, July 20, 2021, SPRWS is encouraging water customers to engage in these watering schedules:  

  • Odd/Even Watering 
    • SPRWS customers with odd-numbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor watering to odd-numbered days of the month.
    • SPRWS customers with even-numbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor water use to even-numbered days of the month.
  • Watering Time Restrictions: 
    • SPRWS customers are asked to limit outdoor watering to the cooler times of the day - before noon or after 6pm - to minimize evaporation.
  • Exceptions Include:
    • Commercial uses of outdoor water, including nurseries or community gardens.
    • Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required. It is recommended that any planting of new sod or seeds be delayed until the fall or until drought conditions subside.

ADDITIONAL WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
In addition to watering schedules, residents are encouraged to consider these additional actions which can support water conversation efforts:

  • Water grass only when needed. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week.
  • Adjust lawn mower to height of 1.5- 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds moisture better.
  • Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.
  • Take shorter showers using low flow showerheads instead of baths.
  • Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
  • Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded.

For more water conservation tips, visit SPRWS's website here.  

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Last Edited: July 20, 2021