The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has announced that
the Mississippi Headwaters watershed is entering the Drought Warning Response
Phase as described in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan. Brainerd is within
the Mississippi Headwaters watershed.
Brainerd Public Utilities (BPU), along with all other public water suppliers in the state, are partnering
with, and will receive guidance from, the MNDNR throughout the remainder of this drought period.
Together we can make a difference.
Due to current conditions, water conservation is encouraged. Effective August 10th, 2023, BPU is
encouraging customers to limit lawn irrigation. Water conservation helps preserve our natural resources
and protect against drought impacts. The following are conservation tips on both outdoor and indoor
water conservation.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
• Water grass as needed – Most lawns only need one inch of water per week. A heavy rain
eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks.
• Turn off automatic irrigation – Turn off any automatic watering controls and only turn the water
on when your lawn shows signs of excessive dryness and do so, early in the morning or later in
the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
• Mulch your trees and plants – Mulch helps prevent water evaporation.
• Leave grass clippings in place – grass clippings provide shade for the soil.
• Check for Leaks – Leaks in hoses, pipes, couplings, or sprinklers are a significant source of
wasted water.
• Invest in a water barrel – Water collected in these barrels can be used for watering flower
gardens.
• Change your expectations – allow for temporary discoloration during drought periods.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips During a Drought
BATHROOM
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the
trash rather than the toilet.
• Take short showers instead of baths. Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then
again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
LAUNDRY
• Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of
your load.
KITCHEN
• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the “light wash” feature to
use less water.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering.
• Don’t rinse the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just remove large particles of food.
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the
refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
