May 1, the day after the general income tax filing deadline, marks the annual launch of water conservation measures for properties on Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and Town of Gibsons water systems.
"After successive years of extreme drought, water regulations are more important than ever to secure water supply into late summer and early fall," says the SCRD.
Stage 1 rules for SCRD clients
For lawn watering in areas on regional watering systems, use of sprinklers,soaker hoses or micro spray systems is allowed. Properties with even-numbered addresses are permitted to water lawns on Thursdays and Sundays from 7 to 8 a.m. For those with odd-numbered addresses, Stage 1 lawn watering days are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 to 8 a.m.
Sprinklers, soaker hoses or micro spray can be used to water trees, shrubs, flowers and food-producing plants. The Stage 1 schedule allows such sprinkling on even-numbered addressed properties on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and at odd-numbered addresses Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Watering times for these types of plantings is 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to p.m.
Hand-held hoses with nozzles, hand-held containers, or drip-irrigation can be used anytime for watering lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers or food-producing plants and trees during Stage 1, but rain sensors are required on all irrigation systems to prevent watering in the rain.
Pressure washing sidewalks and driveways, windows or exterior building surfaces is permitted while SCRD Stage 1 water conservation rules are in effect.
Full details on regional water restrictions, including information on how to file a report regarding a suspected violation of the rules can be found at scrd.ca.
Town of Gibsons rules
For Gibsons water system clients, Stage 1 restrictions mean watering of lawns, trees shrubs, flowers or vegetables, with a sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed from 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. for even-numbered addressed properties on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Watering days for odd-numbered addresses (same timeframes) are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Use of a container or spray trigger nozzle to hand water lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables, including greenhouse plants, is allowed at any time. An exception is watering an un-established new lawn. That requires a permit from the Town, which must be displayed on the lawn.
Washing of vehicles and outdoor surfaces is allowed at Stage 1, if using a spray trigger nozzle or a pressure washer.
Full details on Gibsons water use restrictions are available on gibsons.ca.
