The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that Minnesota has entered a drought warning phase. While monitoring the drought conditions, St. Paul Regional Water Services is encouraging users to conserve as much water as possible. Little Canada receives its water from St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPWS) and is impacted by the announcement.
Little Canada residents and businesses are encouraged to limit watering to an odd/even schedule based on their property address. If the address ends in an even number, watering should only occur on even-numbered dates (7-22, 7-24, etc.). If the address ends in an odd number, watering should only occur on odd-numbered dates.
The City already has a daytime sprinkling ban in place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This suggested conservation technique includes watering established flowers, gardens, car washing, rinsing lawnmowers, and any other non-emergency uses of water outside. Those activities should also be limited to the odd/even schedule.
Exceptions for the suggested restrictions include new seed, sod, or other plant material. Property owners are encouraged to delay installing any new seed, sod, trees, or plants until later in the season when the weather cools down or when drought conditions have subsided.
Other suggestions for conserving water include:
- Water grass only when needed. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week.
- Adjust lawn mower to a minimum height of 3 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds moisture better.
- Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.
- Take shorter showers using low-flow showerheads instead of baths.
- Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.
- Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded.
At this time, these odd/even watering restrictions are mandatory.
More information can be found on the St. Paul Regional Water Services website.