ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – The entire state of Minnesota entered a drought warning phase in mid-July and over the last month conditions have worsened especially in the north.
For the first time since it was implemented in 2000, three major watersheds in the state are now in the drought restrictive phase.
The restrictions on water use is designed to protect drinking water supplies.
The Mississippi River Headwaters, the Rainy River and Red River watersheds are experiencing extreme to exceptional drought.
Steps being taken by the Department of Natural Resources in those areas include notifying water appropriators with DNR permits to minimize non-essential water use and follow water conservation measures.
Residents could be asked by municipal or public water suppliers to cut back on lawn watering and car washes.
Under current conditions it would take five to nine inches of precipitation spread over a month to alleviate the drought in most of Minnesota.
In Duluth, the precipitation since January 1st is over 6 inches below the average.
Get more information on the DNR website:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/drought/index.html
