If you’re one of the many Eden Prairie homeowners with irrigation systems who were able to keep their lawns green during this summer’s drought, your quarterly water bill will most likely be higher than it has been in almost a decade.

Monthly precipitation from April through July was well below the 10-year average, and monthly temperatures throughout the same period were above the 10-year average. This set the stage for the highest level of summer water production since 2012, which was the last extremely dry and hot summer in Eden Prairie.

The City has been preparing for increased demand in water for irrigation purposes for decades, both in terms of production capacity and storage, and by offering rebates to encourage water conservation. While trends over the past 10-15 years have shown an overall decrease of in-home water use due to newer efficient appliances and fixtures, increased irrigation caused by extreme summer environmental conditions quickly eclipses any conservation gains made in the home.

To ensure all water needs can be met during the summer months when demand is highest, the City is continually monitoring the water infrastructure and planning ahead for increasing capacity. A new $8-million water storage reservoir was recently completed and there is also a new $2-million well project in the works. This infrastructure is primarily necessary to meet the demand of summer irrigation, which is why there is a tiered water structure that ensures the customers who are using the most water are paying for the system improvements required to meet the demand.

To assist homeowners in monitoring their water usage in real time, the City is rolling out new water meters over the next couple of years. Through the “Eye on Water” online system, customers can track hourly usage and set alarms for leak detection to reduce wasting water in leaky toilets, faucets and irrigation systems. Learn more at edenprairie.org/NewWaterMeter.

Homeowners can also take advantage of Eden Prairie’s water conservation rebate programs, which include rebates for smart irrigation controllers and encourage homeowners to install native landscaping in lieu of traditional turf. Learn more at edenprairie.org/WaterRebates.

Water and sewer customers with questions about their bills can contact Utility Billing.