Lawn Watering

Water is our most precious natural resource. To help conserve it and ensure adequate water is available for normal daily use and emergency situations, the City of Hopkins enforces the following watering restrictions year-round. For details view the City Code 40.49 (PDF).

Sprinkler on Lawn

Watering Restrictions

  • No watering is allowed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This reduces water wasted through evaporation and allows pumps to refill water storage tanks for evening peak use.
  • Odd/even sprinkling is allowed at all other times. Homes with even-numbered addresses may water their lawns before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on even-numbered dates. Homes with odd-numbered addresses may water before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on odd-numbered dates.

Exceptions

  • No-cost permits are available through the Public Works Department to allow proper watering of new sod or seeded areas.
  • Residents may hand-water flower beds, wash cars, etc. as long as the water use is not unattended.
  • The restrictions do not apply to people using sources of water other than the City water system.

Enforcement

City employees enforce the water restrictions when they see violations. Warning tickets will be issued, followed by fines for repeat offenders.

Keep Your Lawn Green With Less Water

Lawn watering is the single biggest residential use of water. You can have a green lawn and conserve water by following these guidelines:

  • Keep grass at 3.5 inches in height to encourage deeper roots and retain more water
  • Established lawns require only 1 to 1.5 inches of water every 7 to 10 days, including rainfall. Time how long it takes to fill a pan set out on the lawn with one inch of water and use that information in the future to avoid excessive watering.
  • It is better to water on infrequent, but deep watering cycles.
  • The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning.

Use a Rain Barrel

The Recycling Association of Minnesota provides opportunities to buy inexpensive rain barrels every spring. For details view the Compost Bins and Rain Barrels page through the Recycling Association of Minnesota website.

Rain barrels collect rain from your rain gutter for use in your garden. This saves money by cutting down on water usage. The water is clean and environmentally friendly, and healthier for plants.

Rain Barrel