The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has implemented Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures, effective immediately.
This comes two days after the RDCK implemented Stage 2 measures for the Erickson Water System on July 8, which is located just outside the eastern border of Creston, crossing the boundary of RDCK Electoral Areas B and C.
Effective Wednesday, July 10, Stage 2 measures are in effect for all RDCK water systems, listed as follows:
- Balfour
- Burton
- Duhamel
- Edgewood
- Erickson-Arrow Creek
- Fauquier
- Grandview Properties
- Lister
- Lucas Road
- McDonald Creek
- Riondel
- Rosebery Highlands
- Sanca Park
- South Slocan
- West Robson
- Woodbury Village
- Woodland Heights
- Ymir
Chris Gainham, Utility Service Manager with the RDCK, said that the measures are being implemented due to increased demands and near-capacity water treatment plant production, with anticipated extreme hot and dry weather in the forecast.
“We’re looking at water demand, both current and forecast. It looks like we’ve got temperatures above 30 degrees for the next 14 days, high nighttime temperatures with no sign of relief, and those are the things that are pushing us to move forward with the Stage 2 water conservation restriction.”
Under Stage 2, the following watering restrictions are in place:
- Watering of lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs using a sprinkler or irrigation system is ONLY permitted between 6:00 am – 10:00 am and 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
- Watering of gardens, trees, and shrubs using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, a watering can, or drip-irrigation system is still permitted anytime.
Watering using drip irrigation, handheld garden hoses, or a watering can remains permitted.
Gainham said that residents who don’t obey the measures could face penalties of up to $2,000, or $2,000 per day if contravention continues.
“I would like our customers to know that each and every one of their individual actions in reducing their water use does help incrementally to make a difference, especially in times like this. That said, when we do need to issue penalties, we leverage our water by-law. If we can’t resolve a situation in a friendly manner, we do have the option to lay fines.”
He couldn’t say how long the measures will be in place and that it will depend on the region’s weather, rainfall, and system capacities, but he does not think they’ll be dialed back anytime soon.
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