Waite Park Increases Water Restrictions, Bans nonessential water use

(KNSI) – Waite Park is the latest city in central Minnesota to ban all nonessential outdoor water use.

Waite Park’s new watering restrictions begin today (Friday, August 20th) due to extreme drought. According to city officials, non-essential water use includes power washing buildings or outdoor surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, vehicles, boats, or filling swimming pools.

City officials say this will reduce demands and preserve the city’s drinking water supply until the DNR removes the drought warning or until the City Council revises the ban. If the drought conditions worsen, the city will be required to implement additional water reduction measures to comply with the DNR’s Statewide Drought Plan.

The total watering ban put in place last month is still in effect, so irrigation systems and lawn sprinklers connected to city water must remain off.

Residents and property owners can hand water flower and vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, and potted plants.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) announced that the State moved from the Drought Warning Phase to the “Extreme Drought” – restrictive phase of the Statewide Drought Plan because more than 50% of Minnesota is now in an “Extreme” drought.

The DNR reports that it will take five to nine inches of precipitation over one month to alleviate the drought significantly. The City of Waite Park, along with all other public water supplies in the State, is partnering with and will receive guidance from the MNDNR throughout the remainder of this drought.

The splash pad, which has a recycled water system, will have reduced 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The current plan is to have the splash pad remain open until closing for the season on September 7th.

Outside Water Conservation Tips:

Mulch your trees and plants; mulch prevents water evaporation and 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 usual.

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.