City of Sartell Implementing Further Watering Restrictions Amid Ongoing Drought

(KNSI) – The City of Sartell is implementing further watering restrictions based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources due to the drought.

According to a press release from the city, officials asked residents three weeks ago to cut back on lawn watering to two times per week to reduce water use, but they say there has not been any improvement in water levels. The Sartell City Council has now voted to further those restrictions and asking residents and businesses to cut back to watering lawns once per week, effective immediately. These restrictions only pertain to the city water supply. Sand points, ponds, wells, or other non-city water supply sources do not need to abide by the ban, although it’s highly encouraged.

The lawn watering schedule will be limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays and based on address numbers. Addresses with even numbers are limited to watering on Tuesdays only between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for up to two hours. Addresses with odd numbers are limited to watering on Thursdays only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for up to two hours.

Residents and businesses are asked to avoid any non-essential outdoor water use such as power washing buildings, car washing, or filling swimming pools. The Watab Park Splash Pad will only operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. until further notice.

There are exemptions to the ban, but residents and businesses need to apply for a watering exemption at the Sartell City Hall. Applications must be sent to the Public Works Director for inspection and approval, but applicants must wait 48 hours to deliver the exemption to their address.

The city reiterated that the restrictions are coming from the Minnesota DNR, and they are only complying with the recommendations. City officials are asking for full cooperation until the DNR says the restrictions can be lifted.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor published August 5th shows 35% of Minnesota in extreme drought, up 13% from the week before.

Questions can be emailed by clicking here.

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