HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Drought Warning Press ReleaseContact: Brittany Bader, Digital Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • BBader@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drought Enters ‘Warning’ Phase; Edina Residents Must Follow Watering Restrictions
Edina, Minn., Aug. 11, 2023 – The Mississippi Headwaters watershed, which includes much of Edina, has entered the Drought Warning Phase as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Statewide Drought Plan. In response, the City is asking residents to voluntarily reduce their outdoor water use and mandatorily adhere to the daytime irrigation ban and odd-even
watering schedule unless your property is exempt per City Code.
As a reminder, Edina’s watering restrictions allow lawn watering before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on your scheduled days. Homes or businesses with even-numbered addresses may water their
lawns on even-numbered dates. Homes or businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates. While these restrictions are always in effect regardless of drought status,
enforcement will be increased now that there is a drought warning. Property owners found in violation can be fined $50-$300 depending on the number of water restriction violations they’ve
had in the past three years.
In a drought summer, the City pumps three times more water than in winter due to outdoor water use, placing additional demand on water resources at a time when they are already stressed.
One of the goals during drought warning is to reduce water use to 50% above January levels. The biggest way you can help the City conserve water is by cutting back on any nonessential
water use, primarily lawn watering.
“Please reconsider the conventional wisdom that having the greenest lawn on the block is a sign of keeping a well-maintained yard. The most frequently used lawn grass, Kentucky bluegrass,
and other water-intensive turf grasses will go dormant during dry periods and look burnt out but rebound nicely the following season. Consider overseeding with fescue grass or other
less water-intensive varieties,” said Public Works Assistant Director Dave Goergen.
In addition to following the watering schedule and voluntarily reducing outdoor water use, residents can do their part to conserve by practicing these tips:
Consider installing a smart irrigation system with moisture sensors.
Consider converting portions of your lawn to native plants, which are specifically adapted to dry spells typical of Minnesota summers.
Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
Take shorter showers using low-flow shower heads instead of baths.
Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
Load dishes into the dishwasher without rinsing them.
Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded.
Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
Use a large pan to clean vegetables rather than letting the water run.
Only wash full loads of laundry.
Identify and fix water leaks. The City mails a water leak checklist to
properties with high water usage for this purpose.
To learn more about the City’s watering restrictions and exemptions, visit EdinaMN.gov/WateringRestrictions. For more information about drought conditions and the
Statewide Drought Plan, contact Edina Public Works at 952-826-0376.
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Edina, Minn., Aug. 11, 2023 – The Mississippi Headwaters watershed, which includes much of Edina, has entered the Drought Warning Phase as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Statewide Drought Plan. In response, the City is asking residents to voluntarily reduce their outdoor water use and mandatorily adhere to the daytime irrigation ban and odd-even
watering schedule unless your property is exempt per City Code.
As a reminder, Edina’s watering restrictions allow lawn watering before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on your scheduled days. Homes or businesses with even-numbered addresses may water their
lawns on even-numbered dates. Homes or businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates. While these restrictions are always in effect regardless of drought status,
enforcement will be increased now that there is a drought warning. Property owners found in violation can be fined $50-$300 depending on the number of water restriction violations they’ve
had in the past three years.
In a drought summer, the City pumps three times more water than in winter due to outdoor water use, placing additional demand on water resources at a time when they are already stressed.
One of the goals during drought warning is to reduce water use to 50% above January levels. The biggest way you can help the City conserve water is by cutting back on any nonessential
water use, primarily lawn watering.
“Please reconsider the conventional wisdom that having the greenest lawn on the block is a sign of keeping a well-maintained yard. The most frequently used lawn grass, Kentucky bluegrass,
and other water-intensive turf grasses will go dormant during dry periods and look burnt out but rebound nicely the following season. Consider overseeding with fescue grass or other
less water-intensive varieties,” said Public Works Assistant Director Dave Goergen.
In addition to following the watering schedule and voluntarily reducing outdoor water use, residents can do their part to conserve by practicing these tips:
Consider installing a smart irrigation system with moisture sensors.
Consider converting portions of your lawn to native plants, which are specifically adapted to dry spells typical of Minnesota summers.
Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.
Take shorter showers using low-flow shower heads instead of baths.
Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
Load dishes into the dishwasher without rinsing them.
Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded.
Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
Use a large pan to clean vegetables rather than letting the water run.
Only wash full loads of laundry.
Identify and fix water leaks. The City mails a water leak checklist to
properties with high water usage for this purpose.
To learn more about the City’s watering restrictions and exemptions, visit EdinaMN.gov/WateringRestrictions. For more information about drought conditions and the
Statewide Drought Plan, contact Edina Public Works at 952-826-0376.
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