July 23, 2018
Demand on Campbell River’s water consumption has increased over the past few weeks, and efforts by local residents to conserve water can help the community delay stage two watering restrictions.
“We’re experiencing an increase in water consumption with the hot weather, and are now at the point where we are urging local residents to be mindful of water consumption and conserve water to avoid a stage two watering restriction,” says Nathalie Viau, the City’s water supervisor.
Stage two watering restrictions limit watering lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs through irrigation to once a week.
“Even with a healthy supply of water stored in the lakes behind Campbell River, the system of pipes and pumps limits how much water we can deliver throughout the community, and we monitor water use and set watering restrictions to ensure we have water available in the system for firefighting,” Viau says.
To ensure that residents and businesses are informated on which watering restriction stage is in place, information signs are installed outside of the City’s Dogwood Operations Centre, at the intesection of Rockland and Island Highway, and at Alder and Coronation. Presently the City is on Stage 1 watering restrictions, which allow residents to water lawns during these times:
- Odd numbered house addresses may water only on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Even numbered house addresses may water only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Watering gardens, trees, shrubs, and community gardens by hand or with a spring-loaded type nozzles with automatic shut-off connected to hose is allowed at any time during the day in all stages. More information is available on the City website www.campbellriver.ca in regards to the various activities, watering restrictions stages and schedules, including watering times for non-residential properties. Residents can also call the water hotline at 250-203-2316 or send us an email at water.wise@campbellriver.ca if they have additional questions.
- The City suggests that residents follow these guidelines for water conservation and lawn care:
- Mow lawns to a length of 3 inches or more, reducing moisture loss and sunburn.
- Set sprinklers to water for 20 minutes or less per lawn watering session.
- Water for a maximum of 2 sessions per week, encouraging deep root systems.
- Provide good aeration and drainage to create a healthy lawn.
City staff will continue to patrol the community for the remainder of July and the month of August. We will be educating people we notice using more water than necessary, and will be monitoring to ensure that residents are following the normal restrictions.
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Contact: Nathalie Viau, Water Supervisor 250-286-4037