Minneapolis Water Restrictions 2026
Hennepin County · Minnesota
Published:
Restrictions Active - Stage 1 Mandatory Conservation - Annual May–Sept
3
Days/Week
Before 12:00 PM
Allowed Hours
$100 first · $200 second
Max Fine
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Monday & Thursday & Saturday |
| Even | Tuesday & Friday & Sunday |
Allowed Watering Hours
No outdoor irrigation between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM from May 1 through September 30. No Wednesday irrigation under Stage 1.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day with a shut-off nozzle.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$100 first · $200 second
Minneapolis Utilities issues $100 first-offense citations and $200 for second within 12 months. Commercial face up to $500.
Citations begin May 1 (annual seasonal) · Stage 1 active July 2025🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
Minnesota HOA law does not include specific xeriscape protection, but Minneapolis' Stage 1 ordinance supersedes HOA rules requiring water use inconsistent with municipal conservation.
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the Minneapolis Utilities's current restriction order. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Twin Cities metro entered Stage 1 water conservation in July 2025 following the driest May-June on record. Minneapolis Park Board and Saint Paul Regional Water Services both issued mandatory odd/even scheduling. South-metro lake levels at historic April lows. 2025–2026 winter snowpack in the Upper Mississippi basin was 67% of normal.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Minneapolis area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Minneapolis Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Minneapolis homeowners during Stage 1 Mandatory Conservation - Annual May–Sept restrictions.
Kentucky Bluegrass dominates Minneapolis lawns and handles 3 days/week when watered deeply.
Mow to 3.5 inches and leave clippings.
Minneapolis Utilities smart controller rebates cover $50.
Replace parkway strips with Minnesota natives, Little Bluestem, Purple Coneflower.
Drip-irrigate raised-bed vegetables (short growing season makes each gallon count).
Fix leaks within 48 hours.
Convert overhead spray to rotary nozzles.
Skip cycles after any 0.25"+ rainfall.
Harvest rainwater, MN allows residential rain barrels.
Group plants by hydrozone.
Track monthly use at minneapolismn.gov, Stage 1 targets 15% reduction vs. prior August.
Minneapolis Water Restriction FAQs
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