Water use moves to Stage 2

Effective July 10 and until further notice, the SCRD has declared Stage 2 water conservation regulations for SCRD water users south of Pender Harbour.
This year the snowpack in early May is comparable to that of 2019. However, the rain and cooler weather over the last two months has resulted in Stage 2 water conservation regulations to be declared one month later than in 2019, when regulations came into effect on June 7.
Regulations help ensure that demand does not exceed the capacity of our water supply and distribution system and also ensures that there is always enough water for fire protection.
• Lawn watering is not permitted. Watering permits to establish new lawns (seed or sod) will not be issued at Stage 2 but existing permits are still valid.
• For even-numbered addresses, trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered with sprinklers or soaker hoses on Thursday and Sunday 7am-9am; food producing plants and trees can also be watered 7-9pm.
• For odd-numbered addresses, trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered with sprinklers or soaker hoses on Wednesday and Saturday 7am-9am; food producing plants and trees can also be watered 7-9pm.
• Hand held hoses with spray trigger nozzles, hand held containers or micro/drip-irrigation can be used any time.
• Washing vehicles or boats is permitted with container, hand-held hose with spray trigger nozzles, or commercial car washes.
• Washing sidewalks and driveways, windows or exterior building surfaces is permitted only for preparing surfaces for painting or paving and for health and safety.
• Filling swimming pools, spas, garden ponds, or fountains is permitted.
SCRD staff patrol neighbourhoods on a regular basis to enforce regulations and to deliver educational materials. Complaints are also investigated.
Submitted