Dakota County is calling on its residents to seriously step up their game in water conservation this coming summer, launching a challenge that pits towns against each other in a quest to slash their H2O use. During the summer months, folks have a tendency to let the tap run loose — with water use skyrocketing to double, sometimes triple, the amount guzzled in winter.

The county's answer to this thirsty problem is the "Water Wise Challenge," which kicks off in May and runs all the way to the dog days of August. Folks are encouraged to sign up and commit to taking real steps to reduce their water footprint both inside and outside their homes. According to the Dakota County, cities with the best show of participation will get a nod from the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. There's even a little carrot dangling for residents to win water-related swag, including rain gauges and toilet leak detection kits.

And this isn't just about winning freebies. Dakota County's water woes come from a deeper well — over 90 percent of the area's water supply is drawn from groundwater that, despite its current abundance, is definitely not inexhaustible. The ever-growing population, non-stop development, and the whims of climate change are all gulping down this precious resource. After three consecutive years of drought, the county has set some worrisome records, with 2022 seeing upwards of 30 billion gallons of water sucked from the ground.

Residents who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to saving can officially sign up for the Water Wise Challenge Pledge. Once in, they'll get the lowdown on easy to implement methods that promise to not only reduce water wastage but also save some greenbacks.