Water restrictions and conservation measures have been posted by the city of Prior Lake that will be enforced until Oct. 1.

All irrigation and non-essential use of municipal water services is restricted to odd/even days before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily.

Single family homes with addresses ending in an even number may water lawns during the permitted time frame on even numbered days. Single family homes with addresses ending with an odd number can water lawns only on odd numbered days. City restrictions are also in place for multi-family homes and those governed by homeowner associations, and is based on where they are located within the city.

Hand-watering of gardens, flower pots and hanging baskets, as well as car washing, are exempt from the odd/even and time-of-day restrictions and no permit is required. Exceptions are also made for new landscaping and new seed/sod projects within the first 30 days of placement, as well as pumping water from the lake or private well. To qualify for an exception, homeowners must fill out a sprinkling permit form that can be obtained from the city.

Municipal water customers who violate the ordinance are subject to warnings and increased fines. A warning is given for a first offense. A second offense could cost $50, while $100 is the fine for a third offense. Subsequent fines are doubled if the offense occurs within the same calendar year. Fines are added to the homeowner’s next water bill.

Rain sensors are now required on all newly-installed sprinkler systems. The savings in water charges from the use of a sensor is estimated to pay for itself in the first season of use.