Staff at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) say water meters on the North and South Pender Harbour water systems have already helped save water by pinpointing leaks.
A report for the April 20 infrastructure services committee shows 145 notices about possible leaks on the “private side” of water hookups in the area were sent out in January, and a further 101 potential leaks have been identified since then. That amounts to about 17.5 per cent of the properties on those systems.
The report also said that as seasonal property owners start opening up their cottages and turning on water and irrigation systems, more leaks are likely to be noticed.
SCRD staff estimate that getting the leaks repaired has reduced water consumption by 137.4 cubic metres per day in the North Pender System and 121.5 per day in the South Pender System.
Property owners are responsible for repairing leaks on their side of the water system. “It’s good to see the leaks are being identified and savings realized,” said Pender Harbour director Frank Mauro.
Although water meters are installed, property owners on the Pender systems aren’t yet being charged by volume used. The SCRD plans to commission a study before setting rates.
The SCRD, meanwhile, is reminding users on all its systems that Stage 1 outdoor water use restrictions will begin on May 1. The move to Stage 1 on May 1 every year, regardless of weather, is part of the SCRD’s drought management strategy.
A full list of the Stage 1 rules is available at www.scrd.ca
