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Updated: July 21, 7:37 a.m. | Posted: July 20, 7 p.m.

Due to a worsening drought across the state, 

 residents are being asked to water their lawns on an even-odd water schedule and to limit watering to mornings and evenings.

Other communities throughout Minnesota, including

, also have watering restrictions in place. 

Last week, the state Department of Natural Resources said Minnesota has now reached the threshold to trigger the “warning phase” under the statewide drought plan. There's no widespread drought relief in sight this week.

"While we do not anticipate any service issues, these measures will support our water customers as we continue to monitor drought conditions in our community," said St. Paul Regional Water Services general manager Patrick Shea in a 

news release announcing water conservation measures.

In both cities, watering lawns is discouraged from noon to 6 p.m.

Outside those hours, the even side of the street can water lawns on even calendar days (July 22, 24, 26 and so forth).

Outside noon to 6 p.m., the odd side of the street can water lawns on odd calendar days (July 21, 23, 25 and so forth).

Both cities include some exceptions, such as watering new sod or vegetable gardens. 

Minneapolis also says bushes and flowers can be watered with a handheld hose as needed. Trees can also be watered with a dripping hose, bucket or tree watering bag as needed.

Watering restrictions throughout Minnesota

A number of communities in Minnesota are encouraging residents to limit their water use, or have implemented watering restrictions — even outright bans. They include: 

With no widespread drought relief in sight this week, here are a few tips to help conserve water.

Hot, dry conditions in Minnesota

On state's crops, streams and lawns

Weather and Climate News

Environmental News

Minnesota News

Twin Cities News

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MPR News Staff

Author

They join a number of communities in Minnesota that have also implemented watering restrictions. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, residents are being asked to water their lawns on an even-odd schedule and to limit watering to mornings and evenings.

A lawn shows signs of stress from drought conditions

In light of drought, Minneapolis and St. Paul set watering restrictions

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