REGIONAL— The Rainy River watershed has been designated in “drought watch” status as outlined in the state’s drought plan. The plan was developed and is overseen by the Department of Natural Resources.
The Rainy joins several other watersheds, including the western Superior and Mississippi headwaters in drought watch status, which means a significant portion of each of the watersheds is either abnormally dry or in moderate drought. The more intense “drought warning” phase, which much of Minnesota entered in 2021 and 2022, means more severe and widespread drought. Some degree of drought occurs in Minnesota nearly every year.
The dry conditions intensified dramatically in northeastern Minnesota in June due to abnormally hot conditions and minimal rainfall.
The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released last Thursday, June 15, showed significant amounts of abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions over much of the state, with a small portion of severe drought developing in central Minnesota. That map was expected to show expanding drought conditions in Minnesota in the latest version, which was scheduled for release June 22, after the Timberjay’s weekly presstime. As of last week, all but a small portion of central St. Louis County was listed as abnormally dry, while areas along the North Shore were in moderate drought.
The DNR encourages water users and suppliers in drought watch areas to consider voluntary measures to reduce water use. Per the Statewide Drought Plan, no mandatory restrictions or new water appropriation suspensions are being implemented at this time.
The DNR is taking the following actions:
Notifying the State Drought Task Force of these conditions. The task force comprises representatives from state agencies, local governments and related organizations.
Updating the DNR Drought webpage.
Notifying public water suppliers in the Drought Watch Response Phase watersheds and encouraging them to implement demand reduction and water conservation measures.
Closely monitoring conditions.
“Drought watch is a reminder that Minnesotans should not take water for granted. Water use increases as conditions become drier, and that strains water supplies,” DNR Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager Randall Doneen said. “It is important for all water users to look at how much water they’re using and commit to using less, not just during drought but on an ongoing basis.”
Minnesotans are encouraged to learn how much water they are using (mndnr.gov/waters/watermgmt_section/appropriations/conservation.html) compared to the average American home and identify ways to reduce water use now and in the future. More than 75 percent of Minnesotans rely on groundwater for their water supply. Reducing use today saves water for the future.