MN Drought: Water Restrictions In St. Louis Park

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN — Serious and even extreme drought conditions will persist in the St. Louis Park area with no end in sight. Nearly 20 percent of the state is under extreme drought conditions, according to the federal drought monitor.

Unfortunately, even if the current forecast holds and we some do get rain Friday, it won't be nearly enough to end the drought. The end of July will feature mostly hot and dry weather.

"Under current conditions, it will take at least three to five inches of precipitation spread over a period of about two weeks to significantly alleviate the drought," the state Department of Natural Resouces said in a news release.

"Soils are more efficiently replenished by multiple rainfall events than by any single heavy rainfall event. Surface water and groundwater respond somewhat differently over time."

For those in St. Louis Park with gardens and lawns that need frequent water, the city has the following permanent sprinkler restrictions:

In an effort to conserve water, St. Louis Park has some permanent sprinkling restrictions. Lawn sprinkling is prohibited between noon and 6 p.m. In addition, all households and businesses must follow an odd/even schedule when sprinkling lawns. (Properties that end with an odd number sprinkle on odd-numbered days; properties that end with an even number sprinkle on even-numbered days.) Failing to follow sprinkling restrictions can result in fines.

Additional measures may be required during critical water shortages. These measures may include limiting watering to once every five days or banning all outdoor sprinkling. If this happens, a public notice will be given.

Exceptions: New sod or seed, and newly planted shrubs, trees and landscaping are exempt from the odd/even schedule. Flower gardens are also exempt. Even in these circumstances, however, sprinkling must be done before noon or after 6 p.m.

Related:

Stop Watering Your Lawn, MN DNR Says

Minnesota Drought: Here's When The Rain Will Start