Minneapolis Sprinkler Restrictions Likely If Drought Worsens

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis is asking residents to save water as record drought conditions continue to plague the city and the rest of the state.

"The Mississippi River has reliably provided the City of Minneapolis with drinking water for over 150 years," the city said in a news release Friday. "The City assures the public of its continued ability to produce sufficient quantities of high quality water for its residents and wholesale customers."

Minneapolis is not putting sprinkling restrictions in place yet, but if drought conditions worsen, the city "will implement measures to reduce water consumption, including odd/even sprinkling restrictions."

The city is asking residents to practice these water conservation measures:

Water during the coolest part of the day to avoid evaporation.

Water grass only when it needs it. Most lawns only need an inch of water a week.

Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators.

Take shorter showers using low flow showerheads instead of baths.

Turn the faucet off while you shave or brush your teeth.

Load dishes into the dishwasher without rinsing them.

Run the dishwasher only when it's fully loaded.

Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand instead of letting the water run.

Use a large pan to clean vegetables rather than letting the water run.

Only wash full loads of laundry.

No end in sight

The temperature will hit the 90s most days this week, and there are no signs of a cool front ahead.

Read more: MN Weather: Here's How Hot It Will Get This Week