Water Restrictions In Effect

At its September 18, 2023 Fergus Falls City Council meeting, the council adopted a resolution immediately limiting the use of water within the City of Fergus Falls as follows:

• Lawn watering is allowed between 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. based on a defined schedule (below)
• Lawn watering and car washing will be allowed on even or odd days based on your address ending in an even or add number (i.e.. 1403 may water on odd days).
• No filling of swimming pools

These restrictions are a result of the ongoing drought conditions and take effect immediately until further notice. These restrictions are required by the MN DNR for all cities in the Red River watershed with a population over 1,000. There are no restrictions for watering gardens, flowers, new trees/shrubs/sod/seeded lawns. The restrictions are necessary to comply with the Water Use Plan found in City Code 52.26 that states “Whenever the Council shall determine that a shortage of water threatens the city, it may by resolution limit the times and hours during which water may be used from the city water system for lawn and garden sprinkling, irrigation, car washing, air conditioning and other uses or either or any of them.” The ordinance language also allows the city to penalize those not in compliance and is seeking cooperation of all of our residents.

Residents are encouraged to learn about water conservation, identify ways to reduce water use, and take action. Everyone’s help is needed to get through the current drought conditions and reduce the chances of water conflicts land surface water depletion.