Water Restrictions

Conservation

This boy sprays water around the yard in the summer: fun, but the grass looks soggy.

In Minnesota, where excellent water sources are abundant, uninterrupted flow to homes and businesses is taken for granted by most people. It is important to remember that water is a valuable and crucial resource for human health, recreation, and the economy. Demand for water varies greatly from day to day depending on the weather conditions, day of the week, holidays, etc. Because demand for water is particularly high in the summer months, the city of Minnetonka asks that you observe the following water use restrictions from May through September.

Water restrictions

Like most other cities, the city of Minnetonka restricts the use of water for sprinkling during the summer months (May through September). Last year, during July, the demand for water was greater than the available supply.

Permanent sprinkling restrictions were enacted in the fall of 2001 following several opportunities for public input. These limits are consistent with those of many other cities, and are intended to assure the availability of water for household and public safety purposes. Conservation is a key factor in dealing with future water needs. The amount of underground water is limited and must be used wisely. Watering restrictions enacted in the fall of 2001 promotes conservation efforts and are highlighted below:

  • No watering between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. (May 1 through September 30).
  • Even-addressed properties can water on even-numbered calendar days, and odd-addressed properties can water on odd-numbered calendar days.
  • Private sources of water can be used any time, provided they are registered with the city’s Utility Division and posted with a yard sign provided by the city. There is no charge for registration.
  • Watering of new sod, seed, shrubbery or landscaping can take place outside of restricted times, provided residents have obtained a permit from the Public Works Department. There is no charge for this permit. Watering by hand-held hose can be done at any time.

Civil penalties may be imposed for each day of violation. If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department, Utility Division, 952.988.8400.