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Domestic watering regulations and tips

Studies show that up to 80% of water use in the summer is outside the home, mainly for sprinkling lawns and gardens. Following the watering regulations and using a little common sense can go a long way in conserving water outside the home.

June 18, 2010

Stage 1 – DOMESTIC Water Restrictions in Effect

The Board of Trustees of the South East Kelowna Irrigation District has determined that Stage 1 water use restrictions are now in effect for domestic, commercial and mobile home parks. There are separate watering restrictions for agricultural connections for the purpose of making a livelihood.

                                     

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

1).  Irrigation is restricted to three (3) days a week using the last number in your house addresses as odd or even as follows:

·        Odd numbered units or street addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

·        Even numbered units or street addresses are restricted to watering on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,

Underground sprinkler systems may only be operated on permitted watering days between the hours of 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM and not to exceed 60 minutes per zone. If you run underground sprinklers on your permitted watering day you may not run above ground sprinklers on that same day.

Above ground sprinklers and watering by hose is only allowed on permitted watering days between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM and between 6:00 PM and Midnight.

2)   Non-essential watering is now permitted, including:

·     Power washing or washing down of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts;

·     Wash  down of buildings or structures;

·     Water for dust control, flushing of roof gutters;

·     Hand watering of vegetable gardens and potted plants is permitted any time;

·     Hand washing of cars, with bucket & hose with a nozzle to control water flow on watering day only.

These regulations apply to all properties in the District watering landscaping including those rural properties with metered irrigation services.  Restrictions will be enforced and failure to comply is a violation of District Bylaws and will result in disconnection of water service and a $50.00 reconnection charge for each violation.

The District appreciates all efforts to work together to reduce consumption and to use water wisely.

“Please think about the water you use and use it wisely”

Note: watering regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

Tips for outdoors:

  • In-ground irrigation systems, properly installed, well maintained and wisely managed can conserve water. Remember to schedule properly, check regularly for leaks and breaks, clean filters routinely and adjust sprinkler head pressure to avoid overlap and the unnecessary watering of roadways and sidewalks.
  • A light sprinkling is the least effective way to water. Less frequent but thorough watering (every 3 - 5 days during hot weather) promotes solid root growth, making your lawn more drought resistant and less vulnerable to winter kill. But remember, the soil can only store so much water and water that percolates into the soil past the root zone is wasted.
  • Keep your lawn at least 2½ inches or longer - shorter grass is prone to dehydration and needs watering more frequently. Use a mulching mower rather than bagging grass clippings. The mulched clippings help keep the moisture in your soil and return valuable nutrients to your lawn.
  • Additional mulching on a regular basis with top dressings such as sand or organic mulch will also improve moisture retention and reduce water requirements.
  • A garden hose left running can waste hundreds of gallons of water every hour. Use a spring loaded nozzle on your hose that will automatically shut off when you put the hose down. Do not clean your driveway with water; use a broom or leaf blower. Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water, rinsing only when necessary.

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