Water Conservation & Emergency Restrictions Program

Water is a vital resource, essential for the health, safety, and well-being of our community. The Owatonna Public Utilities Water Conservation and Irrigations Restrictions Program aims to:

  • Conserve water as a natural resource for the public interest.
  • Ensure the water system can meet user demands while maintaining adequate pressure and supply for firefighting.
  • Comply with DNR well permits and reduce water production costs.

This program emphasizes shared responsibility, encouraging all community members to act as stewards of our natural resources. Together, we can ensure the sustainability of our water system for future generations.

Definitions

  • Water Conservation Restriction:  Activated during potential water shortages to encourage reduced usage.
  • Water Emergency Ban:  Declared during extraordinary circumstances that limit water production or distribution.
  • Newly Seeded or Sodded Lawns:  Defined as lawns within 60 days of initial planting.
  • Designated Irrigation Day:  A designated day permits watering from 6 PM on that day until 9 AM the following morning.
  • Irrigation:  The application of water to lawns, gardens, or landscapes using an automated or manual sprinkler system, drip irrigation, or any system designed to distribute water over an area.
  • Hand-Watering:  The direct application of water to plants using a handheld hose or watering can. Hand-watering is not considered irrigation and is not subject to irrigation restrictions.

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Water Conservation & Emergency Restrictions Policy

Address-Based Watering Schedule

House numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9

ODD House Number

Only water your lawn on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday.

House numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8

EVEN House Number

Only water your lawn on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Commercial, HOAs, Apartments

Your Irrigation Schedule

  • Commercial properties:  Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
  • HOAs and Apartment Complexes:  Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Other

DO NOT WATER ON MONDAYS

  • Hand watering is permitted.
  • Avoid watering between the hours of 9a and 6p
  • Install weather-based irrigation controllers
  • Drought conditions have different actions

EXCEPTIONS: Newly seeded or sodded lawns & newly planted landscaping.

Mandatory Water Conservation RESTRICTIONS and BANS

Level 1 Restriction

Mandatory Water Conservation Restriction

As declared by the OPU General Manager:

  • Irrigation between 9a and 6p is PROHIBITED.
  • Newly seeded or sodded lawns and newly planted landscaping remain exempt.
  • The Address-Based Water schedule and designated days for the Commercial Customers and Homeowner Associations remain in effect.

Level 2 Restriction

Mandatory Water Conservation Restriction

Identical to a Level 1 Restriction except that public communications will be more frequent and convey a higher sense of urgency.

Emergency Ban

Mandatory Water Emergency Ban

As declared by the OPU General Manager:

  • No outdoor watering beyond hand-watering is allowed, with exemptions for newly seeded or sodded lawns and newly planted landscaping.
  • Additional restrictions may apply to major industrial and commercial users.

Triggers for Restriction Levels

A restriction level or emergency ban may be called due to local issues with the distribution system or in response to the Minnesota DNR Drought Phase Triggers:

Minnesota DNR Drought Phase/Trigger OPU Response level
No active drought warning Normal Irrigation restrictions
Drought Warning Phase – Goal of reducing water use to 50% above January levels Level 1 Mandatory Water Conservation Restriction
Restrictive Phase – Goal of reducing water use to 25% above January levels Level 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Restriction
Emergency Phase – Goal of reducing water use to January levels Mandatory Water Emergency Ban

Customers are encouraged to:

  • Install water-efficient systems, such as EPA WaterSense-certified sprinklers.
  • Install and maintain technology inhibiting or interrupting operation of the irrigation system during periods of sufficient moisture in compliance with MN Statute 103G.298.
  • Adopt water-saving practices, like rainwater collection and early-morning irrigation.

These regulations apply to all OPU customers.  Sports fields, golf courses, and agricultural operations are exempt BUT are encouraged to adopt water-efficient practices.

For any questions, feel free to give us a call at 507-451-2480.