Doing Our Part to Protect Minnesota’s Water Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) announced that the State is entering the Drought Warning Phase of the Statewide Drought Plan because more than 50% of Minnesota is now in a severe drought. The DNR reports that it will take three to five inches of precipitation over a two-week period to significantly alleviate the drought. The City of St. Cloud, along with all other public water supplies in the state, are partnering with and will receive guidance from the MNDNR throughout the remainder of this drought.  The last time the Mississippi River flows were this low near St. Cloud was in 1988.

 The City of St. Cloud thanks those that have already put forth water conservation efforts before and during the drought period.  Due to current conditions, more efforts are needed. 

 Effective July 20, 2021, the City is encouraging customers to limit lawn irrigation to once or twice a week to reduce demands and preserve the City’s drinking water supply.  If the drought conditions worsen and flow of the Mississippi River continues to decline, the City will be required to implement additional water use reduction measures to comply with the DNR’s Statewide Drought Plan.  

 It is important to conserve water inside and outside of your property

Outside Water Conservation Tips:

• Water grass as needed – Most lawns only need 1” of water a week.

• 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.

• Let the grass grow longer to prevent premature dying – let grass stay longer than normal.

• Check for leaks – Leaks in hoses, pipes, couplings, or sprinklers wastes water.

• Invest in a rain barrel – water collected in these barrels can be used for watering gardens and, if needed, lawns. 

 Inside Water Conservation Tips:

• Fix running toilets.

• Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.

• Take a shower instead of a bath. Low Flow showerheads save more water.

• Only run full loads of laundry and use correct water level settings.

• Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

• Use water-efficient appliances (look for the WaterSense label).

 To learn more about conservation tips, and easy ways to save water in St. Cloud, please visit our water conservation page. (https://ci.stcloud.mn.us/1755/Water-Conservation)