Stage 3 outdoor watering regulations are in effect

Due to persistent drought, heat and high demand, Stage 3 outdoor watering regulations are now in effect in the City of West Kelowna, with residential irrigation permitted one day per week, to conserve reservoir storage for essential and indoor domestic needs.

“The draw on City reservoirs is significant, with more than 90 million liters per day flowing through the Rose Valley and Powers Creek Water Treatment Plants,” said general manager of operations Patrick Pulak. “With a low snowpack this winter, combined with little rain and high temperatures, we need to reduce demand for outdoor water use now so that our future water supplies remain sustainable if drought conditions persist.

“The water stored in our upland reservoirs is intended to carry the community through the dry summer months, and every litre conserved today helps extend those supplies. Early conservation measures are the most effective way to protect reservoir storage, maintain essential services, support emergency response capabilities, and avoid the need for more restrictive measures should dry conditions continue or worsen throughout the season.”

Stage 3 water regulations

• Even-numbered addresses water on Saturdays.
• Odd-numbered addresses water on Sundays.
• Automatic sprinkler systems may only operate between midnight and 6 a.m. on the permitted day.
• Manual sprinkler systems attached to taps may only operate between midnight and 11 a.m. OR from 6 p.m. to midnight on permitted days.
• Sprinkling is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day.
• Hand watering of landscape plants and vegetable gardens, but not lawns, is permitted, as needed, on any day.
• People are not permitted to fill swimming pools, hot tubs, decorative fountains or garden ponds, nor can they wash vehicles, driveways, decks, patios and sidewalks.

Why this matters

Water is being prioritized for indoor needs, food/farming, fish and firefighting. If drought persists, and demand remains high, stricter measures may be required:

• Stage 4: All outdoor watering is prohibited to prioritize firefighting and essential indoor needs.

Lawns are often overwatered:

• Lawns can be watered once per week for a total of three centimetres, or about a tuna can’s depth, to promote healthier root growth.
• Leaving grass longer, at about six to eight centimetres, helps shade out some weeds, promotes better soil and root health, and assists in water retention.

Water use is metered. If you use less, the consumption portion of your quarterly utility bill will be lower.

Learn more

• For full details on water regulations, visit westkelownacity.ca/wateringregulations.
• Visit makewaterwork.ca for conservation tips, which include leaving grass longer when mowing and planting xeriscape and FireSmart plants more suited to our arid climate.
• If you have a Badger water meter, you can track and monitor your water usage through the EyeonWater app.