Photo: Contributed

The City of Kelowna has announced that water restrictions for the Hall Road area have eased to Stage 2, allowing irrigation to occur twice weekly.

Stage 3 watering restrictions remain in effect for Southeast Kelowna and Crawford.

“We have been making every effort possible to free up water availability in the system and the conservation efforts of residents mean that some additional capacity for outdoor watering was available,” says water operations manager Andy Weremy.

Those who live at properties under Stage 2 will be notified by letter what their watering schedule is. Or they may choose to search up their address in the water provider map for their schedule.

“As irrigation demand increased with higher temperatures, water restrictions in Southeast Kelowna were implemented to ensure the system had adequate water for sanitation and firefighting,” says Weremy. “We are anticipating that as cooler temperatures return, other neighbourhoods may also be able to be downgraded to Stage 2 restrictions.”

Residents should adhere to designated times while avoiding excessive watering, even on their designated days. A reduced demand is essential to ensure a shift back to Stage 3 or 4 does not happen. Restrictions do not apply to properties with farm status.

“The need for watering restrictions in Southeast Kelowna is not a result of lack of water supply from Okanagan Lake, it is a result of unexpected demand caused by leaks and the short-term use of potable water for irrigation in the area,” says Weremy. “As water meters are installed in this area for the first time this year, about 25 per cent of the historic service lines on private property have been found to have significant leaks.”

Those seeking assistance from a Water Smart representative can call 250-469-8520.