Minnesota drought 2022

Due to prolonged precipitation deficits over much of southern Minnesota, most of Dakota County remains in severe drought conditions.

The Minnesota River Watershed is in the Drought Warning Phase, as provided for in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan, which requires public water suppliers to implement water use restrictions contained in their water supply plans. This plan includes portions of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Rosemount.

Two watersheds that encompass Dakota County are in the Drought Watch Phase:

  • Upper Mississippi Black Root Watershed – central and southern Dakota County
  • Mississippi River Headwaters Watershed – north/northeastern Dakota County

Continued drought conditions are a result of the 2021 drought, which was the worst since 1988 for the state. Slow recovery from drought impacts made 2022 vulnerable to drought conditions. The lack of rainfall throughout the growing season, particularly in the Seven County Metropolitan Area, slid the area into severe drought conditions. If water shortages are not replenished over the fall and winter, potential problems in 2023 include poor growing conditions, low stream flow, low lake levels, reduced groundwater storage, fire management concerns, etc.

The MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stresses a continued focus on driving down demand for water, even in times of abundance. The agency recommends:

  • Reducing lawn irrigation and planting more drought-tolerant species
  • Promoting water-saving rebate programs and requiring WaterSense fixtures in new construction
  • Using more recycled water
  • Installing and maintaining irrigation meters for commercial and multifamily properties
  • Providing incentives for redevelopment of landscapes to be more “Waterwise”

For more information, see the DNR Drought Website.

Monitoring the Dakota County drought conditions aligns with the 2020-2030 Groundwater Plan strategy 2C to quantify changes in groundwater levels and flow patterns in response to weather.