Bemidji Starts Ban on Non-Essential Water Use

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a drought warning. The city of Bemidji says they’re taking this seriously and will start a non-essential water ban.

In accordance with the City’s Water Supply Plan, on Monday, July 19, the City Council enacted restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use until further notice. The City is required to implement measures to protect its aquifer and reduce water use to 150% of January levels.

Currently, the following are prohibited in Bemidji:

• All irrigation and lawn watering
• Pool filling and any recreational use of water
• Watering of parks, athletic fields, recreation areas
• Power washing
• Outdoor car washing

The city says anyone with an irrigation system should disable it until the ban is lifted. However, they do say hand watering gardens and flowers is allowed.