Rush City urges immediate water conservation amid state drought warning

RUSH CITY, Minn. — Rush City is asking residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources moved the St. Croix River basin into a drought warning response phase.

The city said prolonged dry weather prompted the change and that conservation efforts are needed to help protect the municipal water supply and meet state requirements.

Rush City is asking residents to limit outdoor water use, including lawn watering, power washing, car washing and filling swimming pools. The city also recommends watering gardens during cooler morning hours, keeping sprinklers off pavement and using mulch to help retain moisture.

Officials are also encouraging residents ...