Two-day-a week watering set to begin

Tighter watering restrictions take effect this weekend in the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Effective Sunday, June 16, Stage 2 restrictions will be in place for all RDCO water systems which include Star Place, Falcon Ridge, Killiney Beach, Sunset Ranch, Upper Fintry / Shalal Road / Valley of the Sun and Westshore.

The rules are expected to remain in place until September 15, 2024, unless drought conditions worsen.

During Stage 2 outdoor watering is restricted to two days a week. Outdoor watering is permitted on Saturdays and Tuesdays for even numbered addresses, and Sundays and Wednesdays for odd numbered addresses.

“The Okanagan has not seen significant recovery from last year’s drought,” RDCO said in a news release. “Low winter snowpack, low precipitation and warmer than normal temperatures causing an early freshet, has moved the B.C. drought rating in the Okanagan to a Level 2 (Very dry).”

While recent rains have helped, drought conditions are likely to persist into 2024. Residents are advised to reserve water if their gardens and lawns do not require it on the specified days. By following the outdoor watering restrictions, residents will help ensure that system reservoirs are replenished and there’s an adequate water supply for everyone.

The RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No. 1513 also outlines the hours for automated and manual outdoor irrigation. Customers with automated sprinklers should only water between midnight and 6 a.m. on their designated day, while those with manual outdoor irrigation must restrict their watering to between 6 and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and midnight on their respective irrigation day.

For more tips on water conservation inside and outside your home, or to subscribe to receive email notifications about your water system, visit rdco.com/water.

The Regional District maintains and operates six community water systems serving just over 1,000 properties in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas.