SARTELL, Minn. — Editors note: The video above originally aired on July 19, 2021.
Reacting to the worsening drought impacting nearly all of Minnesota, the city of Sartell is implementing what amounts to a complete water ban.
A release from the city says Sartell is making the move based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has elevated the region to the "extreme drought" category. That historically means a heightened risk of wildfires as surface waters, including the Mississippi River, approach historic lows.
The order bans non-essential outdoor water use that includes:
- Lawn sprinkling
- Car washing
- Swimming pool filling
- Power washing buildings
Sartell officials say watering flowers, gardens, and lawn spots is allowed. Residents and businesses with newly sodded or seeded lawns can apply for an exemption to the ban at city hall.
Those who ignore the water ban will be fined $100, with the fines increasing by $100 increments with each additional offense (example: Fourth offense = $400 fine). The city says failure to pay a citation will result in a property tax assessment.
Due to worsening drought conditions the Splash Pad at Watab Park will also be shut down until further notice, but Celebration Wading Pool will still be open regular hours.
"Again, this is a MN DNR requirement, and we are complying. We ask for your full cooperation in the watering ban and to follow the restrictions in place," the city said in a release to residents. "The City will be following the guidelines of the DNR and will keep the ban in place until the DNR suggests it can be lifted."
The DNR says under current conditions it will take at least five to nine inches of precipitation spread over a period of about one month to significantly ease Minnesota's drought.
For more information on the watering ban check out the Sartell city website.