Burnsville to reduce organizational water usage amid state drought

Tommy Wiita
[KSTP]

Minnesota is experiencing in more than 50% of the state severe drought conditions as of Friday. The city of Burnsville announced they are doing their part to reduce water usage to further help protect the state’s watersheds.

The city says they will begin reducing its organizational water usage. City crews will extend the time between waterings to three to four days for athletic fields and park land. Birnamwood Golf Course staff will continue to water the whole course, but will reduce the amount of water used during each watering.

The city’s popular splash pads will still provide some cool relief during these hot summer days. The splash pad hours at Cliff Fen Park will be reduced slightly and will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition, Nicollet Commons Park will maintain normal operating hours of 9 a.m. to midnight for its water features because the park has a recirculating system that prevents high losses of water.

These reductions will remain in place until the DNR advises that drought conditions have improved, according to the city.

Burnsville’s residents and businesses are also encouraged to take steps to reduce water usage. Community members are asked to follow the city’s regular summer odd-even lawn watering schedule (properties with odd-numbered addresses should water on odd-numbered days; properties with even-numbered addresses should water on even-numbered days) and the city’s regular summer midday water restrictions (no lawn watering from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on any day).

The city is also encouraging residents and businesses to find additional ways to monitor their water use — particularly regarding lawn care. This includes the following:

  • Reducing watering to every four days (while following the odd-even watering schedule)
  • Letting grass grow to 1½-2 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
  • Flood irrigating vegetable and flower gardens for deeper irrigation rather than using sprinklers which result in higher evaporation

For more information, click here.