The City of Dawson Creek will move to stage two water conservation measures on Feb. 5, following a special council meeting on Jan. 23.
The measures have been enacted in response to water levels at the Kiskatinaw River, which is upstream from the city’s intake and is likely frozen, they explained, with the provincewide drought also a factor, in addition to an increased industry demand for potable water.
This has resulted in the river levels dropping, and the flow of the river could not keep up with the city’s current pumping rate,” the city said in a release. “Pumps were switched off in order to monitor the levels and gain a better understanding of current pumping capacity."
During stage two measures, residents are not permitted to water lawns, except for on specified days and times by specific addresses, use a hose providing water to wash boats or motor vehicles, unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shut-off device, and haul bulk water for non-potable use
“Hauling bulk water for non-potable use is the key area that will be affected during these winter months. This restriction does not in any way impact drinking water for rural residents or impact commercial hauling for drinking water,” notes the release.
The City of Dawson Creek has several additional water infrastructure sites, including the Bearhole Lake Weir installed in 2009, a reclaimed potable water facility, the South Dawson reservoir, and raw water reserves.
“While this is not an emergency situation, careful planning and consideration will be required as we move forward into the warmer months,” they further noted.
