With temperatures on the rise, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is asking residents of Rivervale and Christina Lake to be aware of watering restrictions.
RDKB’s WaterSmart Ambassador Brook Broadhurst says now is the time to reduce your water consumption and conserve H20 more effectively this summer.
“Christina Lake Water Utility and Rivervale Water Service are currently in Stage 1 of outdoor water conservation so there are some sprinkler restrictions in place to reduce the amount of water used,” said Brook.
“Outdoor water use accounts for over 40 percent and over 50 percent of the total water used in the Rivervale and Christina Lake Water Service respectively.”
“Residents can make a big difference on the ground by booking free sprinkler assessments with me and utilizing our online resources to learn proper lawn care and get WaterSmart.”
“By scheduling a free sprinkler assessment before July 31st, you’re automatically entered for a chance to win a hose timer and drip irrigation kit.”
Stage 1 (Normal) of the outdoor water conservation plan includes a decrease in the permitted hours, which are from 4am to 9am and 7pm to 10pm, with even numbered addresses watering on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday and odd numbered addresses watering Wednesday/Friday/Sunday, with no sprinkler use on Monday’s.
Keep in mind that this applies to lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower gardens. Watering fruit and vegetable gardens have no restrictions.
Some easy water saving tips for your lawn include,
- Water in the early morning or evening
This is when evaporation from heat and wind is at its lowest; because it is cooler and calmer, the water has more time to be fully absorbed by the roots of your grass. Afternoon heat can evaporate up to 30% of the water from your sprinklers.
- Don’t overwater
Too much is bad when it comes to watering your lawn in the heat, if you overwater too much it can lead to fungal diseases, weeds, and pests. A lawn only needs an average of 1 inch or 2.5 cm of water every week.
- Maintain your lawn equipment
If you have a dull blade on your lawn mower, it will tear at the grass, which in turn will cause it to use 40-60%, more water to recover. Raising the mowing height on your lawn mower is also a helpful trick as it helps to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.
More information on RDKB water conservation measures can be found here.
Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) restrictions
For residents of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, stage 1 water conservation measures will be imposed on Saturday, June 1,
The measures will be in place until September 30 but may increase to one of the three additional stages if water demand spikes due to hot and dry weather, or if reservoirs decline to critically low levels.
Stage 1 measures mean you can only water your lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. However, watering using drip irrigation, a watering can, or a handheld hose is still permitted at any time.
More information on RDCK water conservation measures and a complete description of stages 1 through 4 can be found here.
The City of Trail is also imposing Stage 1 restrictions on June 1.
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