FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2021
Jodi Wallin
Public Information Officer
651-266-6308
jodi.wallin@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Saint Paul Regional Water Services Announces Watering Restrictions
Amid Ongoing Drought Conditions
Starting Today SPRWS Customers Which Include Saint Paul, Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Lilydale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Roseville, and West Saint Paul Must Abide by Watering Schedules
SAINT PAUL, MN -- Today, amid ongoing drought conditions that continue to impact communities across Minnesota, Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) announced watering restrictions effective today, Tuesday, August 17 that include odd/even watering schedules and time restrictions.
These restrictions apply to all SPRWS customers in Saint Paul, Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Lilydale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Roseville, and West Saint Paul.
SPRWS will begin enforcement of these restrictions Friday, August 20, for non-compliance within SPRWS retail areas which include Saint Paul, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Lilydale, Maplewood, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and West Saint Paul. As wholesale customers, Arden Hills, Little Canada, and Roseville will be handling enforcement within their areas.
ABOUT WATERING RESTRICTIONS
Effective Tuesday, August 17, SPRWS water customers are restricted to these watering schedules:
- Odd/Even Watering:
- SPRWS customers with odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered days of the month.
- SPRWS customers with even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered days of the month.
- Watering Time Restrictions:
- Outdoor watering can only take place before noon or after 6 p.m. any day.
- Exceptions Include:
- Commercial uses of outdoor water, including nurseries or community gardens.
- New sod or seed can be watered 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.
- Trees may be watered with a dripping hose, bucket, or tree watering bag as needed.
WATER RESTRICTION PENALTIES
Effective Friday, August 20, enforcement response for non-compliance of any of the above mandated restrictions will be as follows:
- First violation – Educational notice
- Second violation – Written warning
- Third violation – $50
- Fourth violation – $100
- Fifth and all additional violations - $150 plus water shut off to the property
- (There is a $50 turn off fee once the water is shut off.)
ABOUT DROUGHT CONDITIONS
As of August 17, SPRWS is in a restrictive phase as designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). This phase is earmarked by Mississippi River flows near Anoka dropping to 1,500 cubic feet per second or less for five consecutive days.
In addition, as of August 10, across the state, 78 percent of Minnesota is now experiencing severe drought, 42 percent is experiencing extreme drought, and 7 percent is experiencing exceptional drought. With this designation, the DNR and others are taking additional steps. SPRWS continues to work with water service partners, including the DNR, to monitor drought conditions in our community.
While SPRWS customers have continued to do their part resulting in a reduction in water demand, additional efforts are required to comply with the MN DNR’s statewide drought plan. The area needs at least 5 - 8 inches of rain over a month to significantly alleviate current conditions.
LAWN AND GARDEN WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
- Water Your Lawn Early and Less Often – The earlier your water, the more water is absorbed into your lawn. Turn on sprinklers early or set your automatic sprinklers to turn on in the very early morning. Only water your lawn once a week or eliminate irrigation use.
- Don’t Overwater – Roughly 1 inch of water per week is enough to keep your lawn healthy. Water when your lawn needs, not out of habit. Try to water slowly – the faster you water, the more water runs off – not benefitting your lawn.
- Adjust Your Sprinklers – make sure sprinklers are aimed at lawn and garden areas, and not watering pavement, patios, or buildings.
- Mulch Your Trees and Plants – Mulch helps prevent water evaporation and prevents some weed growth.
- Leave Grass Clippings in Place – Grass clippings provide shade for the soil.
- Check for Leaks – Leaks in hoses, pipes, couplings, or sprinklers wastes water.
For more water conservation tips, visit SPRWS's website.
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