Kelowna

The Regional District of Central Okanagan reminds customers that its five water systems that alternate day water restrictions are in place.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says the Regional Board adopted an updated Water Regulations Bylaw which formally introduced year-round staged water restrictions.

"From mid-September to June 15 customers of the Killiney Beach, Westshore, Falconridge, Sunset Ranch and Trepanier/Star Place water systems must restrict their outdoor watering to even and odd numbered days," says Smith.

"That means customers with even numbered addresses may water on even number calendar days, while those with odd number street addresses may water on odd numbered calendar days.”

From June 16 through September 15, Stage two water restrictions are in effect throughout the Regional District water utilities.

“That restricts outdoor watering to two days each week. Our customers with even number addresses may irrigate outdoors on Saturday and Tuesday while those with odd addresses may only water on Sunday and Wednesday.”

Under the Regional District Water Bylaw, customers with automated irrigation system may only water on their allotted day between midnight and 6 a.m., while people with manual outdoor irrigation must restrict their watering to between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and midnight on their respective irrigation day.

“We’re sending a letter to the more than 700 customers of the Regional District water utilities to remind them of these watering restrictions with the hope that with their cooperation now, we won’t have to go to more restrictive Stage three or four irrigation levels," adds Smith.

“It’s important that our customers make water conservation a priority every time they turn on a tap. We’re heading into the time of year that sees water consumption skyrocket and that makes it more difficult to keep our water reservoirs filled to ensure an adequate supply of water for all residential customers and for fire protection."

He says people must realize that they don’t need to water their lawns and gardens every day.

"To help, the Water System webpage on the Regional District website has water conservation information and links that every member of your family can use inside and outside your home.”

RDCO Outdoor Water Use Bylaw. (pdf file)