By Tiffany Goodwein

Water restrictions a possibility; warns RDNO

Jun 14, 2019 | 4:49 PM

The Regional District of The North Okanagan is warning water restrictions may be on the way if the region doesn’t start getting more rain.

The district said a hot summer forecast, along with a low snowpack and lower than normal precipitation levels have reduced the inflow of water into the storage reservoirs.

The Duteau Creek Watershed provides water to homes and businesses in Vernon, Coldstream, and Electoral Areas “B” and “C”.

Greater Vernon Water is trying to alleviate the amount of water drawn from the Duteau Creek Watershed by drawing water from Kalamalka Lake.

They are also encouraging all residents to reduce their water consumption now in order to avoid greater restrictions.

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The RDNO recommends converting outdoor spaces to xeriscape landscaping with colourful shrubs, mulched flower beds, or other permeable surfaces like paving bricks and Woolly Thyme that require less maintenance than lawn.

Other ways to be waterwise include:

Using a broom to clean driveways and other outdoor surfaces instead of a hose.
Putting a spring-loaded nozzle on your hose with an automatic shut-off.
Using a bucket and sponge to clean your vehicle or visit a carwash that recycles its water.
Avoid draining and re-filling pools or hot tubs – just top up as needed and use a pool cover to reduce evaporation. If you must drain be sure to drain over grass to avoid dumping chemically contaminated water into storm drains.
Running a sprinkler for a maximum of 20 minutes in any one spot is a good rule of thumb to give water time to absorb into the soil.

More details on the restrictions, reservoir storage levels, along with waterwise gardening tips, can be found at www.rdno.ca/water

by Tiffany Goodwein

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