Brainerd Public Utilities implemented a daytime watering ban to ensure adequate water supply and to promote water conservation.

Watering of lawns and gardens is not allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Those watering from a private well or using a water pump to move water from a lake or river are exempt from this watering restriction.

Those who have a newly sodded or seeded lawn are also exempt. Daily watering of new sod and grass seed is recommended for the first 14 days to establish root growth. After 14 days, normal watering should be sufficient for establishing a new lawn. Laying new sod or planting grass seed during very dry times of the year is discouraged.

The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will consider implementing fines if customers fail to comply with the watering restrictions.

For questions, contact Julie Batters at 218-825-3203 or jbatters@bpu.org .

Brainerd Public Utilities joins the city of Baxter in efforts to conserve water during this dry season.

The Baxter City Council met in an emergency meeting June 9 and voted to implement water restrictions, noting a combination of a failure in the city’s water treatment plant, influx of summer population, little rain and hot temperatures were combining to strain water resources. After the issue with Baxter’s water treatment plant, Baxter began purchasing water from Brainerd Public Utilities.

Baxter implemented a daytime irrigation ban and an even-odd watering schedule to promote water conservation and ensure there is an adequate water supply.

In Baxter, lawn watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the scheduled days. Homes or businesses with even numbered addresses may water lawns on even-numbered dates with those having odd-numbered addresses watering on odd-numbered dates. Those watering on a private well or using a water pump to access lake or river water are exempt from watering restrictions.

Baxter expected the restrictions to last through the remainder of summer, with an official noting it was important to conserve the water to preserve the ability to handle efforts like fighting a large fire. At the time, Baxter thought Brainerd would likely follow with its own restrictions, noting those actions were becoming commonplace in cities across the state with the dry weather and hot temperatures.

Asking for help from the public

In a statement on the water restrictions, Baxter reported it is asking for people to do their part to ensure Baxter and Brainerd have adequate water for their customers.

Suggestions on how to conserve water include:

• Cutting grass no shorter than 2.5 inches. As a bonus, grass roots are protected, less watering is required and it will help keep opportunistic weeds from moving into stressed lawns.

• In the sandy soils of the area, watering 2-3 times a week may be all that is needed.

• Water overnight to be most effective and not lose water to evaporation from sunlight. As a bonus, Baxter reported, it can cut down watering bills.

• Consider installing a rain sensor if using an irrigation system. The sensor shuts down the watering system when it detects rain. “This was made law in 2005, but many people are not aware of this. This is a great tool that usually lasts more than five years and can save the user a lot of money in watering costs. The average cost is around $50 which would be more than likely paid for in year one, Baxter officials noted.

• Use mulch in gardens to keep soil moist around plants. It can also inhibit weed growth.

• Adjust sprinklers to only hit the grass and landscape areas and not paved surfaces like sidewalks and driveways.

• Repair leaks in the system or on outside faucets.

• Capture rainwater from gutters in a rain barrel as a way to use stormwater for planting beds and potted plants.

• Run fully loaded dishwashers and clothes washing machines.

• Do not leave water running while washing dishes or brushing teeth.

• Keep a cold water pitcher in the refrigerator as a way to cut down on running water until it is cold.

• Install low flow or water saver fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen.

• Service the water softener to ensure it is in proper working order.

The city reported these are a few examples where residents and businesses can help make a difference, save money and help the city conserve water at this time.