Single-Family Homes

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 October 1.

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.

Multi-Family Homes

The Prior Lake City Council amended the ordinance related to the municipal water supply system in 2015. 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.

Exemptions

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 (no permit required). Exceptions are made for new landscaping and new seed/sod within the first thirty (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.

Penalties

Municipal water customers who violate this ordinance are subject to warnings and increased fines.
First offense: Warning
Second offense: $50
Third offense: $100
The fine for each subsequent offense is doubled ($200, $400 etc.) if within the same calendar year. The fine is added to the next water bill.

Rain Sensors

Rain sensors are now required on all newly-installed sprinkler systems in Prior Lake, per Minnesota Statute 103G.298 - Landscape Irrigation Systems. A rain sensor detects when it's raining and shuts off the sprinkler system. Sensors can be purchased from some home improvement stores or from your lawn sprinkler service company. The cost for parts is typically between $40 and $100. There is an additional charge if professional installation is needed. The savings in water charges from the use of a rain sensor could pay for its cost in the first season. It's estimated that a rain sensor will save at least 1,225 gallons of irrigation water per household on every rainy day.

If you would like more information about rain sensors or smart irrigation controllers, contact your local sprinkler supplier or home improvement store.

Additional Resources

Irrigating with lake water
Irrigation Conservation Tips
University of MN Irrigation Resources webpage
DNR water conservation webpage