by Dennis Dalman
“Hope for rain, pray for rain” was a recurrent theme of a long discussion Aug. 9 at Sartell City Hall after which council members voted to restrict lawn watering to one day a week in the city.
The one-day watering restriction took effect immediately after the council’s decision. Violators will be issued citations.
The unanimous action was taken after a recommendation by the state’s Department of Natural Resources, which has made similar recommendations throughout the summer in Minnesota’s drought-stricken areas, including the greater St. Cloud area.
As the hot, humid summer progressed, week after week, it became ever hotter, ever drier with just a few feeble rainfalls. Fields became parched; big boulders were exposed to view as rivers shrank.
About four weeks ago, Sartell implemented a two-day per week watering policy, but the city did not see significant improvements in the water level. Public Works Director John Kothenbeutel told the council in the two weeks following that first restriction, he hung 125 notices on doorknobs of residences and issued six citations. There was progress in some places, in others not, he said.
Kothenbeutel noted the Public Works Department team has stopped watering most city property in recent weeks.
The DNR released a chart showing how much water Sartell should ideally use during a severe drought, and the chart indicates the city used on most days far in excess of the recommendations.
The new one-day per week restriction will stay in place for two weeks, until Aug. 23, at which time it water usage will be reviewed. Depending on results, the water policy could be eased or a dreaded ban on watering might have to be implemented.
Here is the new policy:
For people who live in homes with even-numbered addresses, such as 132 Drought Street, the use of lawn irrigation systems can be used for a maximum two-hour period on Tuesdays only from within a time frame of 8 p.m. to midnight.
Residents in odd-numbers, such as 133 Drysdell Avenue, can use lawn irrigation systems from a maximum two-hour period on Thursdays only within a time frame of from 8 p.m. to midnight.
The Watab Park splash pad will remain open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Residents and businesses can apply at Sartell City Hall for a watering exemption for newly sodded lawns. All applications will be sent to the Public Works director for final inspection and approval. Allow 48 hours for the exemption to be delivered to your residence.
