WINSTED, MN – EMERGENCY OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTIONS With more than 50 percent of Minnesota experiencing severe drought and some areas experiencing extreme drought, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined that the state is now in a drought warning phase. With this designation, the DNR and the City of Winsted are taking additional steps, such as restricting some water uses. Significant demand reduction is achievable by restricting or banning non-essential outdoor water use, especially lawn irrigation, power washing buildings, car washing, and swimming pool filling.
The City of Winsted encourages residents and property owners to fix leaks, install water saving devices, and water-efficient appliances. Please think about how you might be able to reduce water use, especially during peak times. Excessive water use can put undue stress on the City’s water infrastructure. This type of stress can affect the City’s ability to provide quality water and capacity to effectively address potential fire suppression needs. The DNR specifies actions that the City of Winsted must implement once the state is elevated to a drought warning phase and appropriate restrictions contained in the City’s Water Supply Plan.
The City of Winsted will implement water use reduction actions, as needed, to conserve water during this phase. The City of Winsted will implement EMERGENCY OUTDOOR WATERING RESTRICTIONS, beginning JULY 26, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. for all properties until further notice. If a property address is an even number, irrigation can take place on even-numbered days. If a property address is an odd number, irrigation can take place on odd-numbered days. No irrigation can take place between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day. This restriction limits outdoor watering by mechanical or automatic means. It includes all non-essential water use, including but not limited to: watering lawns, washing vehicles, power washing buildings, & filling pools. Any person violating the provisions of these restrictions will be culpable and a fine may be imposed. Please note: new sod, newly seeded lawns, new trees, and vegetable gardens, are exempt from the watering restrictions. Please refrain from watering between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Properties utilizing Winsted Lake for irrigation purposes are governed by the DNR and are not affected by this restriction. These restrictions could be elevated to a ban at any given time. Please watch the City of Winsted website for updated information or changes to the restrictions. The severe drought conditions have created a critical situation and we are asking for everyone’s help to conserve as much water as possible.
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Avoid over watering your lawn and water only when needed. Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver. You do not need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn’t need water yet. If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff. Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk. Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects & similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Take short showers instead of baths. Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off. Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving. Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants. Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the “light wash” feature to use less water. Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach. Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool. Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave. Do not rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just remove large particles of food. Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
