Prior Lake is named for its lake, and for good reason. Upper and Lower Prior Lake wind through the middle of town, Spring Lake sits just to the west, and a lot of homes have a view of the water or a short walk to it. Off the lake, there are established neighborhoods and plenty of newer ones too.
With fall on the way, it is a good time to look at Prior Lake home care, from watering rules to winter prep.
Prior Lake’s watering rules
Prior Lake’s rules run from May 1 to October 1, a little later in the year than many nearby cities.
- Single-family homes follow an odd and even schedule based on the address
- Watering is allowed only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
- HOAs and apartments follow a schedule based on their location in the city
- Hand watering gardens, pots, and hanging baskets is always allowed
New landscaping, seed, or sod can get an exception for the first 30 days with a sprinkling permit. Pumping from the lake or a private well needs a permit form too.
Fines are added to your water bill. The first offense is a warning, the second is $50, and the third is $100, with fines doubling after that within the same year. The city’s water restrictions page has the details.
Rain sensors are required
Here is one many people don’t know. Prior Lake requires rain sensors on all newly installed sprinkler systems. A rain sensor stops the system from running when it has rained, and the parts usually cost $40 to $100.
Even if your system is older and not required to have one, a rain sensor is one of the easiest ways to save water and avoid a soggy lawn.
Lake-friendly lawn care
What washes off a lake lot goes straight into the lake. A few habits keep the water clean.
- No phosphorus. Minnesota law doesn’t allow phosphorus lawn fertilizer without a soil test or a new lawn.
- Keep it off the hard surfaces. Sweep fertilizer, clippings, and leaves off driveways and streets.
- Mow high. Grass at 3 inches or taller holds soil better on slopes.
- Feed in fall. Early August through mid October is the best time to fertilize.
Our Minnesota lawn care calendar lays out the rest of the year.
Lake-facing windows and siding
Lake homes often have walls of glass facing the water, and they collect bugs, spider webs, and water spots all summer. A fall window cleaning clears it all away before the low winter sun shows every streak. Our post on how often to clean your windows covers the timing.
Shady, damp sides of the house and decks near the water tend to grow mildew. A gentle soft wash takes care of it without forcing water behind the siding or gouging the deck.
Fall prep
- Clean gutters once the leaves are down, especially under big lakeshore trees
- Have the sprinkler system blown out before the first hard freeze
- Keep leaves out of the street and away from the shoreline
- Mark the edges of driveways and walks for winter
Winter on a lake lot
Lake lots often slope toward the water, and that makes for steep driveways and walks. Clear snow early before it gets packed down, and use salt sparingly. The MPCA says about a coffee mug of salt treats a 20-foot driveway, and salt stops working well below about 15 degrees. Every bit of extra salt eventually reaches the lake, and it doesn’t break down.
How we help Prior Lake homeowners
Our own crews handle lawn care, power washing, window and gutter cleaning, snow removal, and holiday lighting in Prior Lake and across the southwest metro. In 2027, licensed, insured partners that we manage add painting, handyman work, and cleaning.
Book what you need, or bundle the year in a membership plan with priority scheduling and member savings. Premium and Elite include window cleaning twice a year, gutter cleaning, and a yearly house wash. We are booking now for 2027. Request a free quote, or call or text (612) 977-3662.
Questions from Prior Lake homeowners
When can I water in Prior Lake?
From May 1 to October 1, on odd or even days to match your address, and only before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
Do I need a rain sensor?
Prior Lake requires rain sensors on all newly installed sprinkler systems. They are a smart addition to older systems too.
Can I water my lawn with lake water?
Pumping from the lake for watering needs a sprinkling permit form from the city.
