The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stated that 75 percent of Minnesota is experiencing severe drought and 22 percent is experiencing extreme drought. Under the current conditions, it will take at least three to five inches of precipitation spread over two weeks to reduce drought conditions. Residents are encouraged to reduce water usage.
Here are some tips to consider for water conservation:
- Avoid lawn watering if possible. If necessary, only water lawns when needed and during the coolest part of the day. Healthy lawns only need approximately 1-1.5" of water per week. Watering should be done 1-2 times a week as necessary.
- Address any plumbing leaks or leaky appliances.
- Leaky toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day! To check your toilet tank for a leak:
- Place colored dye in the tank above the bowl,
- Wait ten minutes.
- If the dye appears in the bowl without flushing the toilet, you have a leak.
- Run dishwashers when it's fully loaded
- Take shorter showers
- Wash only full loads of laundry
For more helpful tips on how to conserve and reduce water usage, scroll through the Excelsior Water Conservation Story Map
If drought conditions persist, more strict water conservations measures may be necessary to ensure capacity and an adequate supply of potable water.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Updated 7-30-2021