Watering restrictions making a difference
Once-a-week watering restrictions remain in place in Southeast Kelowna and Crawford. This temporary measure is necessary as the new water expansion goes through the startup phase of connecting 2,000 homes in South East Kelowna to the City Utility.
“We’re pleased to see that the water restrictions put in place late last week are working to ensure reservoirs in the system are able to keep up with demand and allow adequate supply for domestic uses and fire protection. Thank you to the residents of Southeast Kelowna and Crawford, for your help,” said Kevin Van Vliet, Utility Services Manager. “With continued responsible use of water, we hope to be able to move to twice per week irrigating soon.”
The strain on the system is transitional in nature and related to the capacity of the water system extension to southeast Kelowna – it’s not due to the volume of water available from Okanagan Lake. With temperatures rising during the last week and an unexpectedly high demand on the water supply, there was a concern that the system would be unable to ensure adequate water for consumption, sanitation and firefighting.
“We know that high temperatures increase demand. With the extensive private property leakage and the amount of land currently being irrigated with domestic water, short-term water restrictions are necessary to maintain community safety,” said Van Vliet. “Over the next few weeks, City staff will continue to get the new facilities up and running to ensure that they can be operated to their maximum capacity.”
The extension of the City Utility into southeast Kelowna was designed to provide clean drinking water to all residents and to accommodate future growth in the area. The high demand occurring now is anticipated to be addressed over the coming year as commissioning of the water project expansion occurs, more irrigation systems are moved to non-potable sources, water meters are installed, and customers in this area become more aware of their consumption and can address any substantial leaks that they might have.
“We appreciate the patience of area residents and their compliance in making adjustments to watering schedules during this transition period,” said Van Vliet.
Affected residents have an assigned weekly watering day. Additional watering restrictions and designated watering times include:
Manual sprinklers may operate between 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. on designated day
Automatic sprinklers may operate from 12 a.m. – 6 a.m. on designated day
Fruit trees and vegetable gardens may be watered Tuesdays & Fridays between 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., as required to maintain plant health.
Hand watering with a spring-loaded hose to maintain plant health can occur ON ANY DAY. Please hand water in the morning or evening to conserve water.
Residents in these areas are also not permitted to pressure wash houses, driveways or outdoor furniture, fill pools or hot tubs and wash cars using potable water supply at this time.
If you are unsure of your designated watering day, or if your property is impacted, visit kelowna.ca/water and search for your address in the water provider map.