Drought conditions persist in the Twin Cities

RICHFIELD, Minnesota (FOX 9) – The scorching days of summer are here, as is the hot, dry weather.

The latest map from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shows dry conditions continuing to expand, with much of the Twin Cities in the midst of drought.

“The water resources we use for irrigation are the same water resources we use for drinking, washing (and) bathing,” said Madeline Seveland of the County Water Management Organization. Carving.

Take a step outside and you can see where the drought is doing the most damage: in our gardens and lawns.

Seveland says that while heat can stress our landscaping, increased irrigation can also harm local water supplies.

“During the summer months, cities see their water use rates increase about three times compared to the winter,” Seveland said.

Diamond Cut Lawn Care’s Adam St. Pierre tells Fox 9 that he’s seen the grass get crispier and crisper on the subway as the summer wears on. The recent strong gusts of wind are not helping the situation either.

“This year you have this extra wind coming in and really drying out,” said St. Pierre, who warns that those short 20-minute lawn watering sessions can do more harm than good.

He recommends watering for a longer period, like an hour or more, about once a week for best results.

“You want to water really deep to get those deeper roots to make weed vibrant and strong…If we just water on the surface, those (roots) are forgotten there and they won’t be used.”