During the summer months water use increases for lawn sprinkling. Homeowner water use in July can be six (6) times greater than January. Sudden increased water demand (especially during a dry summer) can exceed a public water system’s capacity causing the water tower to go dry. Odd-even watering bans keep residents from draining the water tower faster than the city can replace with water from its wells.

Natural water resources are like the capacity of a public water supply system. If ground water withdrawal exceeds natural replenishment (rain and snow) – lake levels could drop and creeks and wetlands may go dry. As communities grow in Anoka County so does the demand for water. The trick is to use water wisely so that our combined water demand doesn’t affect local water supply. The best way to conserve our water resources is not to waste it with unnecessary irrigation.

SMART IRRIGATION PRESENTATION The Anoka County Water Task Force is offering a Smart Irrigation presentation at Bunker Hills Activity Center in Andover (July 16, 2015 at 6 p.m.) free for Anoka County residents, property managers and grounds keepers. Attendees will hear from a turf-grass expert and irrigation professionals how to efficiently use water and irrigation systems to maintain sustainable lawns and plants.

Lawn Watering Tips (from Don Taylor, University of Minnesota Extension Service Horticulturist): (1) Consider whether lawn irrigation is necessary in your situation; (2) Lawn irrigation would normally be minimal in spring until June; (3) Add 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week (minus any rainfall) during the summer months; (4) Keep the intervals between irrigations as long as possible; and (5) Water in early morning hours for greatest efficiency.

Residents and businesses throughout Anoka County should take note of city watering restrictions:

• Anoka (city): odd/even restrictions June 1st to Aug. 31 (for more information contact Pete Klingenberg 763-576-2923 at Anoka Public Works)
• Andover Water Department: odd/even restrictions May 1st to Aug. 31 and no watering between 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm (for more information call 763-767-5180)
• Blaine:– no restrictions until notice in Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life. Three (3) tiers of watering may be established (contact Public Works Department at 763-785-6165)
• Centerville: odd/even restrictions May 1st to Sept. 1st (for more information contact Public Works at 651-429-4750)
• Circle Pines: Two tiers of water conservation (for more information contact Public Works 763-231-2614)
• Coon Rapids: odd/even restrictions June 1st to Aug. 31. Additional restrictions may be established during a severe drought (contact Public Works 763-767-6462)
• Fridley: no restrictions until notice (for more information contact Public Works at 763-572-3566)
• Lexington: odd/even restrictions May through September (for City and private wells). Additional watering restrictions may be established during a severe drought (contact City Hall at 763-784-6849)
• Lino Lakes: odd/even restrictions May 15th to Sept. 15th and no watering between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm (contact the Utilities Department at 651-982-2440)
• Ramsey: odd/even restrictions between Memorial Day and Labor Day and no watering between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm (contact Public Works at 763-433-9861)
• Saint Francis: odd/even restrictions May 1st through Sept. 30th plus no sprinkling between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm (contact Public Works at 763-235-2305)
• Spring Lake Park: odd/even restrictions throughout the year (for more information contact Terry Randall at 763-784-6491)

Contact your water utility for more information about water conservation, leak detection and water fixtures that conserve water.