The call is almost a week later than in recent years, but effective Friday, July 11, and until further notice, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Chapman, Soames, Granthams, South Pender Harbour and Eastbourne water systems will move to Stage 2 water conservation measures.
All other regional systems, including North Pender, will remain at Stage 1 water conservation regulations until further notice, according to a July 8, SCRD press release. At the time of that release the Town of Gibsons website noted its water system also remains at Stage 1. All local government water systems on the Sunshine Coast begin Stage 1 outdoor water use restrictions as of May 1 annually.
Stage 2 rules for plantings
While under Stage 2 limits, watering of lawns is not permitted.
For other plantings, watering days for even numbered addresses are Thursday and Sunday and odd numbered addresses are Wednesday and Saturday.
Watering trees, shrubs or flowers is allowed using a sprinkler or soaker hose, or micro-spray systems on the watering days for your address is permitted from 7 to 9 a.m. Watering of these plants with a hand held hose with nozzle, handheld container or drip-irrigation can be done between 7 and 9 a.m. as well as 7 to 9 p.m.
On allowed watering days, food producing plants and trees can be watered via sprinkler or soaker hose, or micro-spray between 7 and 9 a.m. plus 7 to 9 p.m. A hand heldhose with nozzle, handheld container or drip-irrigation can be used any time on those crops.
Other outdoor water uses changes
On individual properties, washing of vehicles or boats is permitted with a container or hand-held hose with nozzle. Commercial car washes also are permitted to operate at Stage 2.
Water clients are permitted to fill swimming pools, spas, garden ponds or fountains with second stage water use restrictions in place.
Washing sidewalks and driveways, windows, fences or exterior building surfaces is only permitted for preparing surfaces for painting or paving and for health and safety regulations.
“Water is about to stop flowing over the Chapman Lake dam,” Remko Rosenboom, general manager of infrastructure services, stated in the release.
“With no snow remaining and ongoing warm, dry weather, we need to move to Stage 2 water conservation regulations without delay.”
That document also noted that “with little rain in the forecast and hot weather expected to continue through summer, the SCRD is asking everyone to do their part at home to improve water efficiency — just as this community has done successfully in recent years.” In 2024, the SCRD called Stage 2 water conservation restrictions effective July 5, and in 2023 that happened on July 7.
For more information, visit www.scrd.ca/water-regulations. The release detailed a reminder that staff do not take bylaw complaints related to water use violation or other matters by phone, but that a bylaw complaints online form is available at scrd.ca/bylaw-complaint-form.
