Late Friday afternoon, July 16, the Minnesota DNR sent notices to Minnesota cities instructing them to assemble water conservation actions that will result in daily water use that is no greater than 150% of January averages.  Public water suppliers (municipalities), are calculating water use reductions based on one or more activities including reducing the daily water window, shutting off city irrigation and other systems, complete outdoor water bans, car washes, pools, etc. 

If you use municipal water, it is suggested that you discuss your Best Management Plans with your city administrators to deflect any concerns over irrigating the golf course.  It may be wise to create a drought management plan to indicate your continued environmental stewardship.

Helpful information relevant to the current drought can be found here:

Guidelines for Suspension of Surface Waters Appropriation Permits

Best Management Practices Water-Use Efficiency/Conservation Plan for Minnesota Golf Courses

USGA Information on Drought Contingency Planning

drought_plan_matrix.pdf

The MGCSA will be hosting two informal Zoom Meetings on Monday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 28 between 10:00 and 11:30 in the morning.  You are invited to join your peers and talk about the challenges you are facing upon your course.  Please use the following links:

Monday, July 26 Drought Management discussion

Wednesday, July 28 Drought Management discussion