Trial schedule for water restrictions on Mabel Lake

Jul 15, 2021 | 2:02 PM

A new watering schedule is being tried out for residents on the Mabel Lake Water Utility.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has released a trial schedule for water restrictions.

“These restrictions will allow residents to water with sprinklers according to a schedule. When too many people use water from the same system at once, it can exceed the capacity of the distribution pumps, which can result in a water shortage in our tanks and water quality issues. The trial schedule is intended to address this risk,” Keiko Parker, Manager of Small Utilities for RDNO, said.

RDNO said the two-day-per-week sprinkler use schedule will spread out water demand by allocating watering times to three zones of the community.

“Most lawns and gardens only need water 1-2 times a week, and the schedule allows for the option to use sprinklers up to two days each week,” Parker said.

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Watering schedule

Sunday – Zone A
Monday – Zone B
Tuesday – Zone C
Wednesday – No Sprinklers
Thursday – Zone A
Friday – Zone B
Saturday – Zone C

Sprinkler use will not be permitted between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

See map here: Mabel Lake Water Utility – Zones A, B and C

On any day, and even when under 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 any day, between 7 pm – 10 am, as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots.

“In the future, this trial restriction schedule may be used to manage summer water use to protect the community water supply. For these restrictions to work, the community must commit to following the schedule and being wise with their water use,” Parker added.

RDNO will conduct a community survey by going door-to-door in the coming weeks to gather input on developing a long-term plan for restrictions that meets the needs of the utility and customers.

“We look forward to speaking with you and hearing your feedback on this trial program,” Parker stated.

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by Pete McIntyre

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