EGF asking residents to conserve water

East Grand Forks is joining a growing list of municipalities asking residents to voluntary curb excess water use.

The Minnesota DNR says 50% of the state has been placed in a severe drought status.  Portions of northern Minnesota are in the extreme drought category.        The request is for the city to implement the initial phase of demand reduction under the East Grand Forks Water Supply Plan.

The Water and Light Commission approved the voluntary conservation notice this morning (Wednesday).

Right now East Grand Forks is using around 1.3 million gallons of water per day.  During the winter months that falls to around 900,000 gallons.

The move also comes as the U.S. Corps is considering making changes in the release of water at the dam on the Lower Red Lake.  The move could reduce flows from 115 CFS to 90 – with an eventual goal of possible going as low as 30 CFS.

Last week the City of Grand Forks asked residents to limit the watering of their lawns to between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. two days a week.

A meeting to discuss the flow reductions is being planned for the near future.