water conservation – East Metro Water

Flowers bloom in the shadow of a great white bear

By: angiehongmn September 5, 2025

Aquatic Biology, Keeping water clean, Local Achievements, Partners and Updatesfeatured, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota lakes, rice creek watershed district, Washington Conservation District, water conservation, White Bear Lake, wildlife habitat1 Comment

White Bear is a lake with a storied past. At 2438 acres, it is the second largest lake in the Twin Cities metro, and its history features a legendary fight with a giant bear, steamships, gangsters, famous authors, legal battles, and even an amusement park. Recently, efforts led by the Washington Conservation District have focused on improving habitat and reducing stormwater runoff from small communities located along the southeast shore of the lake.

Addressing the groundwater challenges of today and tomorrow

By: angiehongmn October 9, 2023

Groundwaterfeatured, groundwater, Washington County, water conservation1 Comment

Over the past ten years, Washington County has focused on inter-agency collaboration for regional issues, as well as implementing local programs to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and promote water efficiency. Now, they’re looking ahead toward future challenges.

Using rain barrels to save water and money

By: angiehongmn March 3, 2022

Groundwater, Water Conservationfeatured, rain barrels, stormwater reuse, water conservationLeave a Comment

Rain barrels are a simple and inexpensive way to capture rainwater from your rooftop that would otherwise go to waste.

Wandering out of winter into spring

By: angiehongmn February 18, 2022

Water Conservation, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, forest, forestry, pollinators, spring gardening, sustainable landscaping, water conservationLeave a Comment

Beginning next week, local conservation partners are offering a variety of online and in-person workshops to help you transition from winter into spring, and, hopefully, create a more environmentally sustainable landscape in the process.

Adulting 101: Checking for water leaks in your home

By: angiehongmn January 6, 2022January 5, 2022

Groundwater, Water Conservationfeatured, fixing leaks, home improvement, water conservationLeave a Comment

According to the U.S. EPA, the average American household wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year, purely due to leaking toilets, sinks, and sprinkler systems.

Hard Fescue and SMART Controllers Allow for Green Grass with Less Water

By: angiehongmn August 26, 2021

Water Conservation, Yards and Landscapingfeatured, lawns, low mow grass, SMART controllers, sustainable lawns, water conservationLeave a Comment

At the end of a long, hot summer with no irrigation or rain, the plot with 100% hard fescue grass was still lush and green, while the one with Kentucky bluegrass was almost entirely dead.

Bee Lawns are Green Lawns

By: angiehongmn July 22, 2021July 22, 2021

Yards and Landscapingbee lawns, bees, Blue Thumb, drought, featured, lawns, pollinators, water conservation1 Comment

Unlike typical lawns, bee-friendly lawns feature a mix of drought-tolerant fine fescue grasses and low-growing flowers such as Dutch white clover, creeping thyme, and self heal.

Cheap Trick Remix (the lawn version)

By: angiehongmn May 27, 2021May 25, 2021

Yards and Landscapingbee lawns, featured, lawn care, lawns, sustainable lawns, water conservationLeave a Comment

Five cheap tricks for a beautiful, healthy lawn that is safe for your kids and pets.

Boy Scouts and Water Stewards help to create outdoor classrooms in Woodbury

By: angiehongmn November 6, 2020

Keeping water clean, Partners and Updates, Water Conservation, Yards and LandscapingBoy Scouts, environmental education, featured, Master Water Stewards, prairie, south washington watershed district, stormwater, volunteering, water conservation, WoodburyLeave a Comment

South Washington Watershed District created its Campus Greening program two years ago to encourage schools and other large campuses to think holistically about how they can meet stormwater management requirements when expanding buildings and parking areas. At the Lake and Middleton campus, South Washington County Schools (District 844) worked with SWWD to convert 15 acres of turf to prairie, plant 200 trees, and create the two new outdoor classrooms.

Green lawns for blue water and good health

By: angiehongmn July 24, 2020

Yards and Landscapingadopt a drain, featured, lawn care, lawns, sustainable lawns, water conservation, water pollutionLeave a Comment

Some common lawn care practices can harm wildlife, pets, and water resources. Happily, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to get a healthy lawn that looks nice without harming the environment.