Blaine, MN Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

Section 86-6 only turns on once Minnesota's governor declares a critical water deficiency by executive order under Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291, making it the city's emergency water-conservation ordinance rather than a year-round recycled-water program. Once triggered, the city must post notice of the emergency at its council meeting place or official bulletin board and get the word out through local media. Seven mandatory restrictions then apply to every customer of the public water supply: no outdoor irrigation of yards, gardens, golf courses or parkland; no washing of sidewalks, driveways or paved areas; no outdoor water-based play equipment; no serving water at restaurants unless a customer asks; no outdoor misting systems; no filling pools, fountains or spas; and no washing vehicles except at facilities with a water recirculation system.

The irrigation ban is where reclaimed water matters: section 86-6 defines it as water collected from rooftops, paved surfaces or other devices, or any water reused before returning to the natural cycle, and it specifically exempts land irrigated with that reclaimed water from the outdoor-watering shutoff. A customer facing a genuine health or safety hardship can ask the city manager for a variance, and an appeal from a denial goes to the city council within five days. Violations are misdemeanors under the general utilities penalty in section 86-10, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.