ST PAUL, Minn. — The largest water provider in the east metro is asking customers to conserve, as drought conditions worsen across Minnesota.
St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) provides water to the city of St. Paul, and surrounding communities like St. Paul, Lauderdale, Falcon Heights, Maplewood, West St. Paul, Mendota, Mendota Heights. The cities of South St. Paul, Lilydale and Sunfish Lake, Arden Hills, Roseville, Little Canada and the University of Minnesota own their own distribution and billing systems, but purchase water from SPRWS on a wholesale basis.
The utility announced Tuesday that effective immediately, residents and businesses are being asked to follow a watering schedule, and take other steps that will reduce the amount of water being used.
- SPRWS customers with odd-numbered addresses are encouraged to limit outdoor watering to odd-numbered days of the month.
- Customers with even-numbered addresses are asked to limit outdoor water use to even-numbered days of the month.
- Outdoor watering should be limited to the cooler times of the day - before noon or after 6pm - to minimize evaporation and wasted water.
The are some exceptions:
- Commercial uses of outdoor water, including nurseries or community gardens.
- Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required. It is recommended that any planting of new sod or seeds be delayed until the fall or until drought conditions subside.
SPRWS says there are other things customers can do to help until the drought situation subsides.
- Water grass only when needed - most lawns need only an inch of water per week.
- Adjust your mower to a minimum of 2 inches or higher, as taller grass shades roots and holds moisture better.
- Install a low-volume showerhead, take shorter showers and steer away from baths.
- Turn the faucet off when you brush your teeth or shave.
- Fill the sink to wash dishes instead of letting water run.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
For more on the conservation measures and other water topics, check out the SPRWS website.