On Monday, April 17th, the Menomonie City Council passed a resolution to restrict turf grass irrigation during the summer of 2023.
According to a memo from Public Works Director David Schofield, the city’s wells provide a firm well capacity of 2,000 gallons per minute. The city’s maximum day water demand during the summer months is approximately 2.7 million gallons, which is driven in large part by lawns being watered. In order to meet that demand, the pumps must run for 22 hours per day. Runtimes over 18 hours per day are not recommended as they lead to excessive wear and tear and reduced well recharge.
In order to reduce water demand during the peak summer months, the City Council has approved an Alternate Side Irrigation Restriction resolution. The resolution restricts turf grass irrigation (also known as watering or sprinkling) between June 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023, to alternate street sides based upon address, and directs city staff to issue written warnings to properties that do not comply. This restriction applies to those that draw water from the city's municipal water system.
Properties with even numbered street addresses may only irrigate turf grass areas on even number days. Properties with odd numbered street addresses may only irrigate turf grass areas on odd number days. For example, someone with the address 620 11th Avenue West can irrigate on June 2, June 4, June 6 and so on, and someone with the address 621 11th Avenue West can irrigate on June 1, June 3, June 5 and so on.
“We’ve begun planning for the construction of a new municipal well which would increase our capacity,” said Schofield. “Cedar Corp is in the process of completing a Water System Demand and Capacity Study. There are many steps to get a well up and running and it will take several years before we’re looking at actual construction.”
Questions regarding the irrigation restrictions can be directed to David Schofield, Director of Public Works at 715-232-2221 ext. 1020 or dschofield@menomonie-wi.gov.
