The City of Red Wing has received notification from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that prolonged dry weather has resulted in expansion of extreme drought in the Upper Mississippi-Black-Root watershed, in which Red Wing is located. The watershed has moved to the Drought Restrictive Response Phase as described in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan.
The Statewide Drought Plan specifies actions that water suppliers are required to implement once a watershed is elevated to the Restrictive Phase. Red Wing’s water appropriation permit requires compliance with State Drought Plan, and that plan requires that water suppliers implement demand reductions with the goal of reducing water use to 25% above January levels.
Since Red Wing’s water is produced from deep wells, we do not have to issue a watering ban currently. Some communities and other water users, such as irrigation for farming and golf courses in this watershed who receive their water from surface water sources, have been restricted in areas where stream flows have gone below the minimum level.
Even though Red Wing is not enacting any water restrictions or bans currently, we strongly encourage all residents and businesses to limit the amount of water use for as long as we remain in this Drought Restrictive Phase. The City of Red Wing has already shut down the pool and the splash pad. The Buildings and Grounds Division will be shutting down irrigation to many parks as well this week. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Red Wing or visit our website.
For tips on saving water and more drought information, visit the Minnesota DNR's webpage on drought in the state..