Mississippi Headwaters Watershed Under Drought Warning; St. Cloud Residents Urged to Conserve

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has placed the Mississippi Headwaters watershed under its Drought Warning Response Phase, citing what the state climatologist calls a “storage drought”, classified as a critical depletion of lake levels, soil moisture and groundwater.

St. Cloud falls within the affected watershed. The city says it is working with the DNR for guidance throughout the drought period.

While the Mississippi River remains a major and reliable source of drinking water for the city, officials say water conservation remains a key part of drought response. The city is encouraging residents to cut back on water use both indoors and outdoors.

Among the recommendations: reduce lawn watering to about one inch per week, turn off automatic irrigation controls, water only when soil is dry, and check hoses and sprinklers for leaks. Indoors, the city suggests fixing leaking toilets, running dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.

Residents can monitor their own water use through the city’s Consumer Water Portal by clicking here. Drought conditions statewide can be tracked on the DNR’s drought conditions website by clicking here.

Anyone with questions about St. Cloud’s water supply or conservation efforts can email water@ci.stcloud.mn.us or call 320-255-7225.

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