Minneapolis Drought Restrictions Lifted

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis Thursday lifted the even-odd water sprinkling restrictions. The move came after the state Department of Natural Resources removed the Mississippi River Headwaters watershed from the drought watch phase.

"While still well below normal, Mississippi River flows have been steadily recovering since mid-September," city officials said.

"In that same time period, Minneapolis and the City’s wholesale customers’ water consumption declined and have met target water usage levels. The even-odd water sprinkling restrictions had been in place since July 21."

Hennepin County still remains in a "moderate drought," according to the United States Drought Monitor.

About 15 percent of the state — all of which is in northern Minnesota — remains in an "extreme drought."