The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has stated that 78 percent of Minnesota is experiencing at least severe drought, 42 percent is experiencing at least extreme drought, and 7 percent is experiencing exceptional drought. Under the current conditions, it will take at least five to eight inches of precipitation spread over a month 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 during the coolest parts of the day and abide by the odd/even watering restrictions. 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 8-3-2021