A deluge of rain in the past week may have put a damper on summer activities, but the silver lining means a return to Stage 1 water restrictions – the first time since 2011 that it’s happened in August.
“Due to the recent heavy rain events, Edwards and Chapman lakes received over 125 millimetres of rain, triple the amount received in the Sechelt area, therefore lake levels are now suitable to support Stage 1 water conservation regulations,” said an Aug. 24 Sunshine Coast Regional District press release. Between Aug. 20 and Aug. 21 about 134 milimetres of rain fell at Chapman Lake and 43 millimetres fell at the Chapman Water Treatment Plant.
The Stage 1 return went into effect Monday and will remain in effect until Sept. 30, the release said. The regulations apply to all local government water service areas.
As of Aug. 24, the Town of Gibsons had not yet updated its website and its water restrictions remained at Stage 2.
Under Stage 1, pressure washing sidewalks and driveways, windows or exterior building surfaces is permitted, as is washing vehicles and boats, filling swimming pools, garden ponds and fountains.
Lawn watering is permitted Thursday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses. Residents with odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water Wednesdays and Saturdays during the same time.
Sprinklers and soaker hoses are allowed on trees, shrubs, flowers and crops on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. for even-numbered addresses. Sprinkling can occur at those times for odd-numbered addresses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Commercial farms that pay a metered rate are exempt from water restrictions.
“The SCRD would like to thank all regional water customers for their diligence in conserving water throughout this summer,” said the release.
