Sauk Rapids Tightens Water Restrictions

(KNSI) – Despite a recent deluge of rain on Sunday and Monday, Sauk Rapids is putting in place tighter water restrictions.

Effective immediately, officials have banned watering lawns and gardens from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day until further notice. The temporary restrictions are designed to help the city conserve water in the hopes of avoiding any further cuts to water use.

Due to the drought, Sauk Rapids put an odd/even sprinkling schedule in place that remains in effect. Residents living in an even-numbered address can water on even numbers days, and people with an odd-numbered address can water on odd days. Residents can be issued a ticket for not complying. The city is encouraging people to water just once or twice a week.

The rules do not apply to people with their well water.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the Mississippi River watershed is in the drought warning phase trigging a series of precautions by officials. The statewide drought plan is being rolled out because more than 50% of the state is in severe drought. Parts of Stearns, Benton and Sherburne Counties are in extreme drought.

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