Conservation
COMMITMENT/PARTNERSHIPS
The White Bear Lake Restoration Association (WBLRA) is committed to sharing information and resources about water conservation and promoting water conservation in the communities surrounding White Bear Lake. Whether you are a residential city water user, a commercial business, or private well owner, we can all learn to be Water-Wise and adopt new conservation habits. It’s not rocket science; just simple, everyday steps. Every drop of water counts and every action you take to minimize your water use will help conserve our water resources now and into the future! Partnering with cities and community organizations, the WBLRA is committed to educate residents and businesses about water conservation and Water-Wise usage.
Race 2 Reduce
- Hosts special events and activities about water conservation and do-it-yourself tips to conserve water inside and outside of homes (Beginning May 2015)
- Helps coordinate a mailing to all 5 communities around the lake with water conservation tips for inside and outside of homes (May 2015)
- Promotes water conservation educational programming in the Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake School Districts in classrooms and after school groups and activities
City of Dellwood
http://www.dellwood.us/City%Ordinances.html
- Provides water conservation information for private well users which includes residents and golf courses
CONSERVATION TIPS
Whether you are on city water or utilizing a well water system, the water is coming from the same ground water source: the Prairie du Chien Aquifer. The following water conservation measures sound small but add up over time.
Reduce Water Usage:
- Purchase a simple moisture meter ( under $10) to use in your lawn and/or gardens to indicate when the soil actually needs watering
- Turn on or install a rain moisture sensor on your outdoor watering system to avoid watering during or after a recent rain! Remember a healthy lawn only needs 1 inch of water a week.
- Test your water systems every spring to look for and fix holes and leaks from winter weather or digging critters
- Water before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to minimize evaporation
- Replace old bathroom shower heads, sinks and toilets to low flow shower heads, aerators and toilets
In addition, there is a national goal of achieving water use of 75 or fewer gallons per person per day. As a well water user, the best way to evaluate water use is to install water meters on any private wells. The City of Dellwood has been actively encouraging its residents (well water users) to increase conservation. A link to the Mayor of Dellwood’s letter on conservation is found here [insert link].
RESOURCES
When remodeling, choose EPA approved “Water Sense” appliances. Check out this link for information on “Water Sense” fixtures and appliances: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-products
Here is a sampling of websites and Do It Yourself fixes to conserve water indoors and out, and save money on your water bills: Met Council Water Conservation Tool Box for Residents & Businesses
Got a leak? Want to install a new water efficient fixture? Here are some DIY (Do It Yourself) Videos: http://www.home-water-works.org/indoor-use/do-it-yourself
- How to Install a Toilet
- How to Detect and Repair Toilet Leaks
- How to Change Out a Showerhead
- How to Change Out a Faucet Aerator
Did you know that water usage in our area increases almost 2/3rds during spring and summer months? Change how you use water in spring and summer with the following tips to decrease your seasonal water use and save money! https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watering-tips
Want a listing of native drought resistant trees, plants and annual flowering plants? Check out this site and plant with water conservation in mind. More gardens, less grass equals more butterflies! http://arboretum.umn.edu/droughttolerantplants.aspx
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
http://www.projectwet.org/cleanandconserve
Met Council Residential Water Conservation Tool Box
https://www.epa.gov/watersense Information on approved “Water Sense” water saving rated appliances, outdoor watering checklist, and residential tools for water conservation.
2012 Freshwater Society article in particular to WBL
DNR White Bear Lake Level Monitoring Page
USGS 2011 White Bear Lake Groundwater Interaction Study Paper