All irrigation and non-essential use of the municipal water supply system is restricted to odd/even days before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily, May 1 to Oct. 1, for residences with single family homes.
Single-family homes with addresses ending in an even number may water lawns before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. only on even-numbered days.
Single-family homes with addresses ending in an odd number may water lawns before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. only on odd-numbered days.
The Prior Lake City Council amended the ordinance related to the municipal water supply system in 2015 for residents living in multi-family homes. While this amendment did not change restrictions for single-family homes, it did provide for changes to homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and apartment complexes. HOAs and apartments in the northern part of the city may water on odd-numbered days, while HOAs and apartments in the southern part of the city may water on even-numbered days, as illustrated in this map.
Hand-watering of gardens, flower pots and hanging baskets, as well as car washing and general use of power washers are always exempt from the odd/even and time-of-day watering restrictions, and no permit is required. Exceptions are made for new landscaping and new seed or sod within the first 30 days of placement, as well as for pumping from the lake or a private well. To qualify for an exception, you must fill out a sprinkling permit form.
Municipal water customers who violate this ordinance are subject to warnings and increased fines, based on the following:
- First offense: Warning
- Second offense: $50
- Third offense: $100
The fine for each subsequent offense is doubled if occurrence is within the same calendar year. The fine is added to the next water bill.
Rain sensors are now required on all newly-installed sprinkler systems in the city. The savings in water charges from the use of a sensor could pay for its cost in the first season. It is estimated that a sensor will save at least 1,225 gallons of irrigation water per household on every rainy day.
