The drought in our area has recently intensified prompting the MN DNR to declare a Drought Warning. We are asking residents and businesses to help by reducing all non-essential water use. Non-essential use includes lawn watering, vehicle washing and commercial irrigation.
What is a drought?
Drought is defined as a period of abnormally dry and/or unusually hot weather sufficiently prolonged for the corresponding deficiency of water to cause a serious hydrologic imbalance.
Learn more from the Minnesota DNR >
Drought warning
With 52 percent of Minnesota now experiencing severe drought and 4 percent experiencing extreme drought, the state has entered the drought warning phase. With this designation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and others are taking additional steps.
Brooklyn Park and other cities are asking residents and businesses to take additional steps to conserve water.
What can I do?
Conservation tips
Brooklyn Park staff has compiled tips and resources for saving water and energy.
Check out our water conservation tips >
Odd/even watering
Brooklyn Park has odd/even lawn watering restrictions in effect May 1 through September 30, every year. Residents with even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days; odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days.
We recommend:
- Water during the cool part of the day, early morning hours (4 am to 10 am) are best. Avoid the middle of the day when it is hot and sunny to prevent burning the grass.
- Water one inch per week (including rain) to maintain a healthy lawn.
- Avoid peak water-use hours (4-10 p.m.). Do not water overnight, as it can promote disease and affect the health of your lawn.
- A good soaking once or twice a week is better than watering every day. The soil should dry between watering to allow deep root growth, making the grass more drought tolerant.
Water efficiency rebates
The City of Brooklyn Park is making it easier for residents to save on their water bills with a Water Efficiency Rebate Program.
Irrigation controllers, washing machines and toilets
Purchase and install a WaterSense certified toilet beginning January 1, 2020 and get $50 back. Get $100 back on a WaterSense certified irrigation system controller. An Energy Star certified washing machine qualifies for a $50 rebate.
Learn more and apply for the rebate program >
Efficient Water Softener Program
Residents of Brooklyn Park need to buy and install a demand-initiated water softener. Only appliances bought on or after January 1, 2020, are eligible for rebates.
Learn more and apply for the water softener program >