The city of Bemidji’s watering ban has been amended to allow lawn irrigation two days a week.
The watering ban has been in effect since July 20. The ban was part of the city’s water supply plan to protect the city aquifer in times of drought.
Over these past three weeks, water usage went down to the goal of 150 percent of January levels.
“On behalf of the City Council and staff, thank you to the residents and businesses for listening, responding and helping our city achieve our water reduction goal,” wrote City Manager Nate Mathews.
Lawn irrigation is now permitted Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4 to 9 a.m., in hopes of preventing significant long-term drought damage to yards, fields and landscaping.
The amended ban is effective Saturday, Aug. 14.
