Cottage Grove Watering Ban: What You Should Know

COTTAGE GROVE, MN — On Tuesday, May 23, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released updated health-based advisory values for two industrial chemicals—PFOA and PFOS–present in groundwater in the East Metro area, including Cottage Grove. The new health based values mean that Cottage Grove’s wells are affected, but changes in the water supply system have taken place to ensure compliance with new health based values.

Below is information on the watering ban provided by the city of Cottage Grove:

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Cottage Grove’s Watering Ban

• Cottage Grove City Council declared a water ban on May 23, at noon, effective immediately
• The ban was not declared by MDH. There is no health risk, the water is safe to drink
• The City is encouraging residents to conserve water and eliminate non-essential use of water such as watering lawns and gardens and car washing
• The Splash Pad will not open until the ban is lifted – watch the City’s website for an opening date
• Water at the Veterans Memorial is turned off until the ban is lifted

How long is the watering ban?

• Estimated at 4-6 weeks
• Information will be posted on the City’s website and Facebook page when the ban is over
• As more city wells are brought back online, the ban will be eased

What is included in the watering ban?

• Do not use your sprinklers and hoses (outdoor water) for watering lawns, gardens, landscaping, washing cars, irrigation systems and any other non-essential exterior use.
• An idea for water for gardens, landscapes, etc.:
  • Use a shower bucket and instead of letting the water pour down the drain, stick a bucket under the faucet while you wait for your shower water to heat up. You can use the water for watering your plants and landscaping.
  • Re-use your pasta cooking liquid. Instead of dumping that water down the drain, try draining your pasta water into a large pot. Once it cools, you can use it to water your plants. Just make sure you wait, because if you dump that boiling water on your plants, you might harm them.

Can I use my automatic sprinkler system?

• No, make sure you shut down your automatic sprinkler system

Can I water my new sod?

• Call Public Works at (651) 458-2808. They may be able to issue you a permit to water your new sod

Why is there a watering ban but my water is safe to drink?

• The ban is due to less water being available, not because the water is unsafe
• The City of Cottage Grove’s water is safe to drink
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) lowered the exposure limits for two chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) that have historically been in East Metro water
• Because of the lowered limits, some city wells had some trace of the chemical so the City is blending water from clear wells with those to make sure city water is safe and meets the new MDH health values
• Because of the blending, less water is available, leading to the watering ban
• Once all of the wells are brought to safe levels, the watering ban will not be needed as there will be enough water for high demand usage

Does the City have rain barrels available?

• No, neither the City or Washington County have rain barrels
• Rain barrels can be purchased online at Menards, Amazon, and Walmart – the cost is about $70-$100

Does the watering ban affect private wells?

• No, the ban is only for water from city wells
• Private well owners will receive a letter directly from MDH regarding the levels of the chemicals in their wells and plan of action
• Private well owners should call PCA with questions. (651) 296-6300

Who do I contact with questions or concerns about the safety of the water?

• Contact Doug Schultz, Minnesota Department of Health, (651) 201-4993

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