Sartell Issues All Out Watering Ban Due to Extreme Drought

(KNSI) – The City of Sartell says effective immediately; there is a ban on all non-essential outdoor water use.

According to a press release from the city, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources classifies the area as being in extreme drought, and there should be no yard sprinkling, power washing buildings, car washing, or swimming pool filling. The splash pad at Watab Park will also be shut down until further notice, but Celebration Wading Pool will still be open during regular hours.

There are certain exceptions to the ban, such as Sandpoint systems, ponds, wells, or other non-city water supply sources that do not need to abide by it, although they are highly encouraged. Residents and businesses can apply for a watering exemption for newly seeded or sodded lawns at City Hall. All applications will be sent to the Public Works Director for final inspection and approval. Please allow 48 hours for the exemption to be delivered.

Residents and businesses can be fined. Officials say the initial fine is $100 and increases by $100 for each subsequent offense. Failure to pay a citation will result in a property tax assessment.

The city says that they have asked residents to abide by an odd/even watering schedule, cut back on watering yards and other non-essential outdoor water use, but they say none of these measures have brought the city to its appropriate water level threshold, according to the DNR. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows as of August 12th, 42% of the state is in extreme drought. Seven percent of the state is now in exceptional drought.

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