A non-essential watering ban has been in place in Bemidji for just over a week.
Restrictions are on non-essential outdoor water use until further notice, in an attempt to protect the aquifer and reduce water use to 150 percent of January levels.
All irrigation and lawn watering; pool filling and other recreational uses of water; watering of parks, athletic fields, recreation areas; power washing; and outdoor car washing is prohibited.
Hand watering of gardens and flowers is allowed.
The city asks all residents and businesses to do their part to conserve water during this drought.
