The municipality of Summerland is asking residential property owners to voluntarily reduce their water use before stricter restrictions are issued.
The call, on June 20, comes as drought conditions in the region escalate and pressure is put on the community’s water supply.
The community is at Level 2 drought status, according to the BC Drought Portal, and the Similkameen region is at Level 3.
In response, the municipality is asking residential property users to act as though they are already under Stage 2 watering restrictions.
These restrictions allow for sprinkler use for trees, shrubs and lawns before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on Sundays and Thursdays for even-numbered addresses or Saturdays and Tuesdays for odd-numbered addresses.
Micro-irrigation, drip irrigation or hoses with shut-off nozzles may be used to water trees, shrubs or vegetables at any time on any day.
Residents are urged to avoid watering driveways or hard surfaces.
These water measures are voluntary, not mandatory.
“These measures help preserve stored water and delay the need for stricter, mandatory restrictions,” the municipality said in a statement.
Although the community has had some recent rainy days, the wet weather does not offset the dry conditions the region has been experiencing.
“While a rainy day here or there might be refreshing, it’s not enough to replenish our reservoirs high in the headwaters behind the community,” the municipality says. “What is needed now is increased stewardship and a shared commitment to conserving water.”
