With water usage at an all-time high, Dakota County is inviting its cities to a friendly competition.

The competition, coined the Water Wise Challenge, encourages residents to reduce their water usage at home from May through August, when water usage is generally two to three times higher than in winter months, according to the county.

Those interested in entering the competition can pledge to take action like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, running the dishwasher only when full, harvesting rainwater and more.

Cities with the most participation will be recognized by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.

More than 90 percent of the county’s water supply comes from groundwater. Population growth, continued development and unpredictable climate patterns impact the county’s groundwater resources, the county said in a news release.

Dakota County used more than 30 billion gallons of groundwater in 2022, which, according to the county, is enough to fill the Empire State Building 108 times.

To take the pledge, go to http://pipr.es/ThZ6SxK.

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