One of Kelowna’s water districts is taking steps to make sure residents are not being water-hogs.
Due to the current extreme, dry weather conditions Rutland Waterworks District says it will be utilizing water patrollers to enforce city wide sprinkling regulations, partly due to the fact people are not following the regulations.
Outside watering accounts for 80 per cent of total water demand, according to Rutland Waterworks, and the district says many people are over-watering, causing demand on the system to be at an all time high.
“The Rutland Waterworks system is currently running above normal levels to meet the outside water demands. This is due to the extremely hot weather conditions and property owners not adhering to the regulations,” said assistant general manager Kevin Reynolds.
“Rutland Waterworks District will be utilizing water patrollers to enforce city wide sprinkling regulations,” added Reynolds, saying the patrollers will be circulating throughout local neighbourhoods, ensuring that watering is being used properly and regulations are being followed.
Under normal conditions, year round watering is permitted up to three days per week if you are served by Rutland Waterworks.
Odd numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and even numbered addresses may water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Mondays are restricted to no outside watering for all households.
Other regulations include:
• Automatic underground irrigation systems may run between 12 a.m. (midnight) and 6 a.m. on your scheduled odd/even days.
• Manual sprinklers can occur between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 12 p.m. (midnight) on your scheduled odd/even days. One sprinkler at a time.
• Hand watering (using a spring loaded nozzle) can occur at any time.
“To ease the pressure on the water systems, and enjoy the highest quality water, it is important that residents follow the sprinkling regulations.” Reynolds stated. “We need our customers to be very aware that outside watering accounts for 80 per cent of total water demand in the hot summer days.”
For tips on how you can help conserve water, head over to www.RutlandWaterworks.com and get creative in helping conserve water!