Drought Information and Water Conservation

Grand Rapids Public Utilities is committed to protecting our community’s water supply and keeping customers informed during periods of dry weather and drought.

Minnesota’s Statewide Drought Plan establishes a phased approach for preparing for and responding to drought conditions. The plan helps state agencies, public water suppliers, businesses and residents work together to conserve water and reduce impacts on Minnesota’s natural resources and economy.

Current Drought Conditions

On June 25, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources notified water suppliers that the Mississippi Headwaters Watershed, which includes the Grand Rapids area, had entered the Drought Warning Response Phase because of prolonged dry weather and expanding severe drought conditions.

The north-central portion of Minnesota is also experiencing a storage drought. A storage drought develops after consecutive drought or unusually dry years and can result in depleted groundwater levels, low lake levels and reduced soil moisture. Areas experiencing a storage drought may be especially sensitive to continued dry conditions.

What Is GRPU Doing?

During the Drought Warning Response Phase, GRPU will:

• Monitor water usage, groundwater conditions and the performance of the water system.
• Implement applicable water-use reduction measures contained in GRPU’s Water Supply Plan.
• Work toward the statewide goal of limiting water use to no more than 50% above January usage levels.
• Provide customers with conservation information and updates.
• Communicate with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regarding water-supply concerns.
• Consider additional restrictions if drought conditions worsen or water demand becomes difficult to manage.

GRPU will notify customers if voluntary or mandatory watering restrictions are implemented.

How Customers Can Help

Reducing nonessential outdoor water use is one of the most effective ways to conserve water during drought conditions.

Customers are encouraged to:

• Limit or temporarily stop watering lawns.
• Water gardens and landscaping early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Avoid watering sidewalks, driveways and other paved surfaces.
• Delay power washing buildings, decks and pavement.
• Avoid washing vehicles at home.
• Postpone filling or refilling swimming pools.
• Repair leaking faucets, toilets, irrigation systems and service lines.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Install water-saving fixtures and appliances when possible.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of washing them with a hose.

Every reduction helps protect the community’s water supply and reduces stress on groundwater resources.

Minnesota’s Drought Response Phases

Minnesota uses five phases to guide drought preparation and response:

Non-Drought Phase: Normal monitoring, planning and conservation education continue.

Drought Watch Phase: Conditions are abnormally dry or in moderate drought. Public water suppliers request voluntary conservation.

Drought Warning Phase: A significant portion of the watershed is experiencing severe drought. Public water suppliers implement conservation measures and appropriate restrictions identified in their water supply plans.

Restrictive Phase: Extreme drought conditions are present. Additional restrictions may be required, and nonessential water uses should be minimized.

Emergency Phase: Exceptional drought conditions or critical water shortages are occurring. Mandatory reductions and emergency measures may be implemented.

Stay Informed

Drought conditions and water-use requirements may change throughout the summer. GRPU will provide updates on this webpage and through our other communication channels if conditions change or additional conservation measures become necessary.

Additional Resources

The documents below provide more information about Minnesota’s drought response process, the current Drought Warning Response Phase, our Water Conservation Notice and tips on how to conserve water while lawn watering.