Waite Park Lifts Watering Ban

(KNSI) – Waite Park has ended its watering ban effective immediately.

Waite Park officials say the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) announced that the state has moved from the Drought Warning to a Drought Watch. The ban was put in place over the summer due to drought. The Watch Phase indicates that a significant portion of the watershed is “Abnormally Dry” or in a “Moderate Drought.”

In response, Waite Park has lifted the watering ban. City officials want to thank our residents and businesses for their water conservation during the drought period.

St. Joseph lifted its water ban last week and Sartell ended its watering ban last month. St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids have asked residents to conserve water and limit watering to once or twice per week.

According to a press release, because Minnesota hasn’t reached the “Non-Drought Phase,” Waite Park asks residents and businesses to continue maintaining voluntary measures to reduce water use.

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

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