FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2021
Contact:
Eric Levine
Water Supervisor
(320)234-4222
CITY OF HUTCHINSON IMPLEMENTING WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
TO CONTRIBUTE TO STATE DROUGHT PLAN
With more than 50 percent of the state experiencing severe drought conditions, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking everyone to take precautions to help protect the state’s watersheds aquifer resources.
To assist in these efforts, the City of Hutchinson has already begun reducing its organizational water usage. City crews have extended the time between watering for athletic fields and park land. Work schedule adjustments are also being used to limit watering during the warmest times of day when most evaporation occurs.
These reductions will remain in place until the DNR advises that drought conditions have improved.
Outdoor Water Usage Restrictions
Hutchinson’s residents and businesses are being asked to take steps to reduce water usage as well. Community members are being asked to follow the City’s Water Conservation Plan that includes no lawn watering from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on any day, as well as other non-essential outdoor water use such as personal car washing or watering of plants. Water use restrictions do not apply to stormwater that is collected in rain barrels or stormwater reuse systems.
The City is also encouraging residents and businesses to find additional ways to monitor their water use – particularly regarding lawn care. This could include:
- Reducing watering to every 4 days or more
- Collect and reuse stormwater in rain barrels or other water reuse systems
- Installing irrigation controls with timers and/or soil moisture sensors to minimize water loss or waste
- Letting grass grow to 1.5-2 inches – longer grass provides shade for the roots and reduces water loss
- Avoiding watering on windy days
- Adjusting sprinklers so they are not hitting the street or sidewalk
- Adding mulch around plantings to hold in moisture
For more information about the Minnesota DNR’s Drought Warning visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/drought/index.html.
