Effective immediately, and until further notice, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has declared stage two outdoor water use restrictions for all municipal water customers.
All those on the Pender Harbour systems remain at stage one until further notice.
Outdoor water use restrictions are part of the region’s water conservation goal to reduce water consumption per person by 33 per cent by 2020.
“Water use more than doubles, in the summer when seasonal rainfall is at its lowest,” said Dave Crosby, SCRD manager of utility services. “Restrictions help ensure that demand does not exceed the capacity of our water supply and distribution system and also ensures that there is always enough water for our fire protection on the Coast.”
Sprinklers, soaker hoses, irrigation systems and other watering devices can be used for outdoor watering according to this schedule:
• For even addresses outdoor watering is allowed Thursday and Sunday from 7 to 9 a.m.
• For odd addresses outdoor water use is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday from 7 to 9 a.m.
Hand held hoses with shut-off devices can be used anytime for watering trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables.
Hosing of sidewalks and driveways, windows or exterior building surfaces is not allowed except to pressure wash surfaces to prepare for paint, etc., or as required by law for safety.
Rain sensors are now required on all irrigation systems. This prevents irrigation systems from running when it’s raining. Low flow drip irrigation systems, including micro-drip and drip tape systems are exempt from the watering restrictions because they are water-conserving systems. This exemption is particularly useful for the agricultural community.
Permits for watering beyond the allowable times in order to establish new lawns (seed or sod) will not be issued at stage two. New lawns should not be established during the summer season.
Water conservation education and enforcement have increased paroles. Avoid fines and protect your drinking water supply by following the sprinkling schedule above. For more information, contact the SCRD at 604-885-6806 or the Town of Gibsons 604-886-2274. Visit www.scrd.ca/Sprinkling-Regulations for details on water use restrictions.
