Brandon Limits Lawn Watering To One Day A Week As Of July 14th

If you've stepped outside anywhere around Sioux Falls lately, you've probably noticed the following: it's extremely hot, the air is so thick you can cut it with a dull butter knife, and your lawn is starting to resemble a bowl of shredded wheat.

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer, when South Dakota's heat and lack of rainfall combine to put serious stress on everything from lawns to backyard gardens to city water systems.

That dry stretch has prompted the City of Brandon, just east of Sioux Falls, to roll out new lawn watering restrictions in an effort to conserve water.

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According to Dakota News Now, Brandon officially moved to a "Yellow" water restriction as of Tuesday, July 14, meaning residents can now water their lawns just one day each week, based on the last digit of their street address.

Here's the watering schedule:

• 0 or 1: Monday
• 2 or 3: Tuesday
• 4 or 5: Wednesday
• 6 or 7: Thursday
• 8 or 9: Friday

No matter which day is assigned to your address, watering is prohibited between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, when the heat causes the most water to evaporate.

The restrictions are part of Brandon's Water Smarter Incentive Program, which is designed to help preserve the city's water supply during periods of high demand. City officials say the restrictions will return to the normal "Green" level once water production stays below 1.8 million gallons per day for five consecutive days.

Ignore the Rules, and it Could Get Expensive Real Fast!

If you're thinking about sneaking in an extra watering session while nobody's looking, you may want to think again.

Brandon's enforcement policy comes with some pretty stiff penalties:

• First violation: Written warning
• Second violation: $250 surcharge
• Third and additional violations: Another $250 surcharge, your water service shut off for 48 hours, plus a $50 reconnection fee

That means you could have a whole lot more green in your grass than green in your wallet if you don't play by the rules.

While brown patches in the yard may not be anyone's favorite summer accessory, a dormant lawn can recover when cooler temperatures and rain eventually return.

READ MORE: How a Hot Car Can Kill

So, Brandon residents, before you fire up the sprinkler, take a quick look at your address, check the calendar, and water only on your assigned day. Your neighbors and Brandon's water supply thank you.