Coon Rapids residents are gearing up for the third week of Earth Month, focusing on water conservation in an area famously known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Despite the abundance of surface water, it's the underground aquifers that are parched and underpin the city's water supply. According to a recent alert from the city, years of drought coupled with rising water usage are putting a strain on these vital natural resources.

Citizens can play their part by adopting simple measures such as installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, repairing leaks, and opting for native or drought-resistant plants that demand less water. The importance of these adjustments is not to be understated, especially considering that the replenishment of these deep-seated aquifers through natural processes is a sluggish affair.

The City is promoting the upcoming Smart Irrigation Meter sale this summer as another tool for residents to manage their water consumption more effectively. The initiative falls in line with earlier water-savings strategies outlined on the city's website, encouraging homeowners to swap out old shower heads for more efficient models. This effort coincides with the ongoing odd/even watering ban in place from June through August.

As part of Earth Month's weekly themes championed by the Coon Rapids Sustainability Commission, there's a call to action for the community to gather and contribute to the Earth Month Park Clean Up. The event is slated for Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m. in Lion's Coon Creek Park. Citizens are urged to join forces in preserving the natural beauty of their area and take a hands-on role in driving environmental stewardship and creating a greener future.