Sartell Tightens Water Conservation Requirements With Drought Conditions Not Improving

(KNSI) – The city of Sartell is bumping its drinking water conservation recommendations up to requirements for residents and businesses amid Minnesota’s ongoing drought. If Sartell cannot meet the Department of Natural Resources’ water conservation requirements by August 9th, the city will implement a full watering ban.

According to a press release, the city is limiting lawn irrigation to twice per week between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. for up to one hour at a time. Also, lawn irrigation must follow the city’s odd/even house number and date schedule.

Sartell’s splash pad hours are also being cut; the splash pad will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The DNR also advises against any non-essential outdoor water use, like filling swimming pools, power washing buildings and watering lawns.

“Thank you to those residents who have been following the two-day per week maximum irrigation schedule that the City has been encouraging,” the city’s announcement states. “However, due to current conditions not improving, all residents and businesses are now required to take these additional steps to help maintain water levels and avoid extreme restrictions and a citation.”

The city council is set to review the city’s water usage on August 9th to see if the DNR’s requirements for water conservation are met.

Sartell residents can apply for a watering exemption at Sartell City Hall.

The city says it will issue citations for non-compliance of the watering restrictions.

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