Amid Summer Drought, Crystal Asks Residents to Conserve Water

The cities of Crystal, Golden Valley, and New Hope are all part of the Joint Water Commission, which purchases water from the city of Minneapolis obtained from the Mississippi River. While city leaders credit overall conservation efforts by JWC cities thus far this summer with eliminating the need for any mandatory water use restrictions, they still remind residents to try to conserve as much as possible.

Lisa Shakerin has lived in her home in the Bassett Creek neighborhood of Crystal for more than 20 years. She was out working in her yard Friday morning.

“This yard has been neglected by me for many years. I hope to eventually put lawn in again,” she said. “But I’m doing a garden here so there’s less to mow. It’s supposed to be more environmentally sound.”

Shakerin typically only waters her flowers near her house, and she normally only does that in the evening.

“It’s usually after 7, 7:30. (p.m.),” she said. “It’s not so hot.”

The city of Crystal urges residents to conserve water amid a drier-than-normal summer.

According to a city of Crystal press release, residents are urged to observe the following practices:

1.    Water during the coolest part of the day – If your plants need water, water in the early morning or later evening. 

2.    Water grass as needed – Most lawns only need an inch of water a week. Turn off any automatic watering controls. Only turn the water on when your lawn shows signs of excessive dryness. 

3.    Prioritize tree watering – Proactively water your trees. Drought conditions cause stress to trees and threaten our urban tree canopy.

4.    Mulch your trees and plants – Mulch helps prevent water evaporation and prevents some weed growth.

5.    Leave grass clippings in place – Grass clippings provide shade for the soil.

6.    Let the grass grow longer to prevent premature dying – Let grass stay longer than normal.

7.    Check for leaks – Leaks in hoses, pipes, couplings or sprinklers are a significant source of wasted water.

8.    Invest in a rain barrel – Water collected in these barrels can be used for watering flower gardens and lawns. 

Shakerin said she hasn’t seen anyone really abusing the water use lately.

“I don’t see people watering their lawn during the hot time of day. Actually I haven’t seen anybody washing their car. So, I think the neighbors here are respectful of the water.”

Crystal | Golden Valley | New Hope | Twin Cities