Water & Watering Restrictions

To help conserve water and ensure our City’s water system can handle peak demand, Otsego has seasonal watering limits in place. Here’s what you need to know:

Seasonal Schedule (May 1 – September 30)

Odd-Even Watering Rule:

• Homes with odd-numbered addresses can water on odd calendar days.

• Homes with even-numbered addresses can water on even calendar days.

Neighborhood Irrigation Systems

• HOAs and apartment complexes that use shared irrigation systems should water every other day.

• North of 80th Street: Water on odd days.

• South of 80th Street: Water on even days.

Midday Watering Ban

• No lawn watering between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm
  This helps reduce water loss from evaporation during the hottest part of the day.

Exceptions

The following are not restricted:

• Hand-watering plants using a hose or watering can

• Washing vehicles or using power washers

New sod, seed, or landscaping:

You may water as needed for the first 30 days after planting, but not between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm
To qualify, please fill out an Irrigation Exception Form—available at City Hall, on our website at www.otsegomn.gov, or by calling Utility Billing at 763-441-2310.

You may also irrigate using a non-city water source (such as a private well) if it’s properly permitted by the State of Minnesota. The City may inspect to verify compliance.

Penalties

If restrictions are not followed:

• A surcharge will be added to your water bill for each violation (see City Code §3-1-2).

• You’ll receive a written notice before the surcharge is applied.

• Repeat violations in the same year will result in additional surcharges.

For full details, view the City Code section on water restrictions here