(Dreamstime ID 5205700)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Two days a week

New water restrictions for Grindrod system

Jun 25, 2021 | 11:25 AM

In response to resident concerns about maintaining their lawns and gardens with the upcoming heatwave, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is implementing a trial schedule for water restrictions.

The restrictions will allow residents to water with sprinklers according to a schedule, so the amount of water used by the community at any one time doesn’t exceed the capacity of the treatment plant resulting in emptying the reservoir and losing water supply to residents.

As spring melt is coming to an end and sediment in the river is going down, the RDNO is able to increase the flow of water through the treatment plant, but high outdoor water use can push the system beyond its capacity. In an effort to allow customers outdoor water use and ensure the water supply is not reduced to dangerously low levels, a trial water schedule is being implemented. In order for this to work, customers must follow the schedule and use water efficiently to avoid the need for added restrictions.

Most lawns and gardens only need water 1-2 times a week, and hence the RDNO is splitting the Grindrod area into a watering schedule to help make sure the water system is not overburdened at one time.

The two-day-per-week trial sprinkler use schedule covers three areas of the community. This schedule will be in force for approximately one month to assess its effectiveness, throughout which the RDNO will monitor water demands and any impact on quality and quantity. We will conduct a community survey in the coming weeks to gather input on developing a long-term plan for future restrictions that works best for the utility and customers.

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Even when under stricter water restrictions, residents may water by hand with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed anytime as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots. Adapting your yard to our normally dry climate is another way to help our community water system. Visit www.rdno.ca/waterwise for yard care tips and a list of easy-to-grow shrubs, trees, and ground covers.

For these restrictions to work, the community must commit to following the schedule and being wise with their water use. Over-drawing on the system can affect the safety of your drinking water. If water flows remain high, it will be necessary to return to the previous restrictions of no sprinkler use. We look forward to working with the community and look for the survey to provide your input on how the RDNO should best manage our community water supply.